Sergeant Major Eduard Wickman

Sergeant Major Eduard Wickman, 88, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Monterey Park Rehab & Health in Independence. Eduard was born on April 15, 1937, in Wense, Schedlitz, Poland. In 1951, he immigrated to the United States with his brother, Rudolph and was sponsored by their uncle, Edward Zittlow from Smithland, IA. In 1956, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army, beginning a distinguished 27-year military career that spanned the entire globe. In 1959, Eduard married the love of his life, Ruth (Hanel) Wickman, who survives him. He became a U.S. citizen on November 16, 1960, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, an achievement he cherished deeply. Throughout his career, Eduard served as a paratrooper, drill sergeant, and Army commander, completing two tours in Vietnam. He also shared his expertise as an ROTC instructor at the University of Central Missouri. His military education included SidPers (1975) and ROTC Office (1979). He was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the National Defense Medal, Paratrooper Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commander Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Bronze Star Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, four Overseas Service Bars, and the Meritorious Service Medal, among many others. After retiring from the Army in 1983, Eduard enjoyed the quiet satisfaction of working in his yard and spending time with his family. Eduard’s legacy of service, love, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Ruth, of the home; one son, Edward (Jeanette) Wickman of Independence; three daughters, Steffi (Bernd) Kirchner of Germany, C. “Lucy” (Butch) LaFountaine of North Carolina, and Nicole (Brian) Curtin of Odessa, Missouri; five grandchildren, Heather (Daniel) Craig, Weston Wickman, Dawson (Abigail) Curtin, Dylan Curtin, and Desiree Curtin; and three great-grandchildren, Krew Curtin, Kamdyn Curtin and Jane Craig. Eduard was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rudolph Wickman; and two sons, Jimmy Wickman and Troy Wickman. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 18, 2025 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 20109 Bus. MO-13, Higginsville, Missouri. Casket bearers: military. Honorary casket bearers: Daniel Craig, Dawson Curtin, Dylan Curtin, Weston Wickman.

Sergeant Major Eduard Wickman

April 15, 1937 - August 6, 2025