Wilfred (Slick) Kockelman

Wilfred John “Slick” Kockelman was born on July 26, 1920, in St. Leo, to Philip and Mary (Betzen) Kockelman. He grew up in a family of 14 children in rural St. Leo. Slick was stationed in Hawaii while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Southwest Minnesota. On November 24, 1947, he was united in marriage to Dolores Ludwig at St. Clotilde Catholic Church in Green Valley. The couple farmed and raised their family north of Minneota. Slick worked at several jobs including as a truck driver for Doc Merritt and KP Kompelien, and as owner/operator of Slick’s Painting for many years. Dolores Kockelman died in 1989. Slick was united in marriage to Janice Johnson in 1991. The couple made their home in Cottonwood. Slick enjoyed playing cards, shaking dice, fishing, dancing and was an avid Twins fan. He was most passionate about family and especially enjoyed his time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Slick died on Sunday, January 8, 2012, at Park Nicollet – Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. He is survived by his wife, Janice, of Cottonwood, daughters Kathy (and Wayne) Wyffels of Minneota, Lynn (and Dareld) Koopman of Fairmont, Paulette Heise of Brooklyn Park (and Larry), step-children Doug Johnson of St. Anthony, Deb (and John) VanMaldeghem of Cottonwood, David (and Kathy) Johnson of Cottonwood, Don Johnson of Cottonwood, DeeAnn (and David) Kerkvliet of Cottonwood, Butch Johnson of Arlington, TX, eight grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, seven step-great-grandchildren, one sister Regina (and Larry) Fox of Marshall, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dolores, and 12 siblings.