Obituary/Neil Donn Wikstrom, 77

Neil Donn Wikstrom, 77, of Walnut Creek, California, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026. Neil was very loved. He was a quiet man with a warm, sincere smile that made people feel at ease. Above all, he cherished his family, and they cherished him in return.

Neil was born February 17th, 1948 to George and Dolores (Hahn) Wikstrom in Crookston, Minnesota. Neil was one of seven children. He attended school in Karlstad, Minnesota, and was very active in sports: baseball, basketball, and football. He graduated from Karlstad High School in 1966 as president of the student council and captain of the Varsity Basketball team. He was selected “All Conference” in football and basketball. During his time in high school, Neil set the Career Record for Assists in basketball. The record at the school remained unbroken for 30 years.

From 1968 to 1970, Neil served two tours in Vietnam as a combat infantryman for the U.S. Army. He was wounded in action and decorated for heroism. He was awarded the National Defence Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Combat Infantrymen Badge (1st Award), Army Commendation medal with “V” Device, and a Purple Heart. After completing active duty, he served in the Army Reserve for another four years.

Following his military service, Neil moved to Colorado, where he fell in love with skiing and his future wife, Corinne. He married Corinne Folland in Karlstad, MN on July 26th, 1975 and they made their home together in Colorado. They lived there for almost 50 years, living in Littleton, Lakewood, Lafayette , and then Erie. Neil and Corinne have two children. Niccole was born in 1976, and Jared was born in 1979.

Neil graduated cum laude in 1979 from the National School of Business in Denver, Colorado, with a B.S. in business. He went on to work for over 30 years in contracting at the Solar Energy Research Institute, now known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. He retired in 2010. In 1984, Neil was elected to the Board of Directors of the Wikstrom Telephone Company, now Wiktel. During his tenure, the company grew from 4,000 to 9,000 customers, and he served as Treasurer for 25 of his 40 years on the board.

When not at work or with family, he loved to ski and golf. He was highly skilled at both. Neil skied with a beautifully smooth style and could effortlessly carve through any terrain. He shared his love of skiing with his family, and there were many early mornings spent driving up to the slopes and listening to old school country music. He skied into his early 70s.

When there was no snow on the ground, Neil could be found on the golf course. In the early 2000s, he became a member of the Indian Peaks Men’s Golf League in Lafayette, where he remained an active and dedicated participant for many years, earning several victories and numerous top-five finishes. In 2008, he captured the prestigious Players Champion title after an outstanding season and final tournament victory against the league’s top 30 players. Though highly competitive, Neil was always humble. After a strong finish, he would simply come home, smile, and say that he had played well that day. In 2007, he joined the Vista Ridge Golf Club in Erie, now known as the Colorado National Golf Club. He was a familiar figure at the club, where he golfed weekly, dined often, and made long-lasting friendships. He also enjoyed traveling with his brother George to play golf on renowned courses in destinations such as Hawaii and California. Together, they made two trips to Scotland to play the Old Course at St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf.

Neil was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, caring brother, and loyal friend. Kind and generous by nature, he never hesitated to help others and was always there when someone needed him. Neil showed up—consistently and wholeheartedly—to support his children, grandchildren, and friends. He was someone everyone could count on. Taken too soon, he will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Corinne; his loving children, Niccole (Stefan) Demeyere and Jared Wikstrom (Felicia Parke); and his seven grandchildren, Weston and Keira Demeyere, Monique, Presley, Turner, Preston, and baby Wikstrom. He also considered Mariah Lopez and her mother, Justina Herrera, part of his family. Neil is further survived by his brothers, George (Joyce), Leslie (Lucille), and Curtis (Jo); his sisters, Kathy (Newell) Glines and Debbie (Duane) Anderson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Neil was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Janice and Gwendolyn, and his sister-in-law, Sharon Wikstrom.

Family and friends will gather for a small service on January 19th at 11:00 am at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church in Walnut Creek, California, to remember and honor Neil. A larger memorial service celebrating his life will be held on April 18th at 11:00 am at Austin Funeral Home in Hallock, Minnesota. Following the committal service at Eidsvold Cemetery, lunch will be served at Nordhem Restaurant in Karlstad, where all who knew and loved Neil are invited to gather.