Frederick W. Wickert

Frederick William Wickert, Jr. 89 of Gilboa, New York, passed away January 9, 2023 at Robinson Terrace Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Stamford, New York. He died of complications from lung cancer. Mr. Wickert was the son of Frederick William Wickert and Helen May Gould Wickert, of Gilboa, New York. His wife was Kaneko (Tae) Takiguchi Wickert formerly from Osaka Tokyo, Japan. Mr. Wickert had three sisters: Helen (Merle) Hamilton of Brewerton, NY, Ruth (Walter) Weaver of Sprakers, NY., and Priscilla (Charles) Guyett of Trumansburg, N.Y. All predeceased him.

Mr. Wickert was a Veteran of the United States Air Force. When he returned from Korea, Staff Sergeant Wickert was assigned to the elite security guard that protected the Washington fleet including Presidential Air Craft Air Force One, operated by the 89th Military Air Lift Wing. The wing provided air transport for Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard M. Nixon during Staff Sergeant Wickert’s service at Andrews Air Force Base, in Maryland. For his service, Mr. Wickert was awarded a distinctive service ribbon to mark his affiliation with the 89th.

Fred was loved by his community as he gave of himself freely to so many. He and his wife Tae attended dog shows with Cocker Spaniels, earning numerous ribbons and trophies. They also loved their monkey, birds, fish and cats and converted their garage into a heated home caring for them for years. Mr. Wickert was a Mason and a past member of the Gilboa United Methodist Church where he sang with his beautiful melodious voice. The Wickert’s lost their home on Stryker Road in 2011 from Tropical Storm Irene. They rescuers saved them by coming into their home with a boat. Mr. Wickert also loved to write stories and was published through a writer's guild called Echo. He also inspired young writers in his family, who have also been published. He certainly had a gift with words and just loved to gab.

Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC of Middleburgh is honored to be caring for Fred and his family.

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