Pennie Ann (Hochstetler) Wicklund, 79, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on Feb. 8, 2026, at the Lodge of Saginaw, Texas, nursing home with her family by her side.
Pennie was welcomed into heaven by her wonderful Lord and Savior. She now resides in Heaven in a big beautiful mansion with a beautiful view!
She was born June 9, 1946, in San Francisco, California, to Wilbur and Luella (Perry) Hochstetler. Penny remembered as a child being packed into the family car with her four siblings, so the family could move to Luck, Wisconsin. Pennie spent much of her childhood on the farm rented by her parents. She cherished those early years and the close bond she shared with her family.
Pennie became a Christian as a young girl and remained a devoted follower of Christ throughout her life. She was active in her churches and served as a Sunday School teacher.
On June 20, 1964, she married Paul Martin. They had four children, who were her greatest joy. They later divorced in 1994.
Pennie was a dedicated homemaker, active in her Homemaker’s Club, and known for her gift of hospitality. She made friends easily. She enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, making homemade ice cream, scrapbooking and researching her family genealogy. On cold winter days, her family greatly enjoyed the beef barley soup she canned. She also loved reading, writing and journaling, winning two contests for her poetry.
In 1996, she was introduced to Carroll Wicklund. Their courtship was swift and their love abounded! They married on Nov. 16, 1996. They treasured their time together, going out to eat, taking small trips, and spending time with Pennie’s children and their grandchildren. They found great joy in going to church together and their shared faith in Christ.
They lived in multiple places in Wisconsin. Then in 2011, they moved to Forest Lake, Minnesota, to be near their children and grandchildren. In March 2022, they arrived in Texas. It was an organizational feat to rival any military campaign!
Pennie’s health started to deteriorate and she was diagnosed with dementia. Her family made the hard decision to place her in a nursing home. Her husband came about every day to see her, and her daughters planned their visits, so Pennie had at least one visitor a day, if not more.
Pennie will be remembered for her strong faith, loving heart, and devotion to her family.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 30 years, Carroll Wicklund; her children, Barbara Martin, Becky Kientzle, Beverly (Denny) Graham and Bob Martin; grandchildren, Kayle (Nash) Beaulieu and Riley Graham; siblings, Elieen Wedin, Bruce (Luann) Hochstetler, Tony (Joan) Hochstetler and Jean (Wayne) Boatman; and nieces, nephews and many cousins.
Pennie was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Luella Hochstetler; her son-in-law, Thomas (Becky) Kientzle; and her nephew, Perry Hochstetler.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Crosswalk Community Church, 505 Old Co. Rd. W., Frederic, Wisconsin 54837 on June 6, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Luncheon will be served after the service. After the luncheon, burial will take place at Milltown Cemetery, 2231 WIS-46, Milltown, Wisconsin 54858. Monetary gifts will be used by the family to cover funeral expenses.
