Astrid Johnson

Astrid "Ott" Wicklund Johnson

Astrid "Ott" Wicklund Johnson went home to the arms of Jesus on July 18, 2025.

Ott was born on May 30, 1922, to Carl Axel and Christine Hilberg Carlson . Her big brothers, Arnold (Arnie) and Irving (Irv), welcomed her into their Swedish American home. Baby brother Gordon (Gordie) joined the family several years later.

Their home was filled with love and laughter — especially between Irv and Ott. The two often pushed the "law" to the limit but rarely received more than a stern warning from their father.

Ott was adored by her family. Perhaps a bit too much — her mother often sacrificed her own wardrobe so "Ottie" could have the latest fashion.

Ott grew up in Rockford, attending First Evangelical Free Church and Rockford public schools.

In June 1950, Ott married Howard (Howie) Wicklund. Their family grew quickly, becoming a family of eight within ten years. Ott and Howie raised their six children — Craig, Jill, Scott, Todd, Jodi, and Terry — on Scottswood Road, alongside a parade of dogs, cats, fish, ducks, and just about any animal a kid could sneak into the house.

Their first grandson, Dana Clinton (Jill's son), brought great joy to the family — and gave Ott her new name, "Boomer." In Swedish tradition, a maternal grandmother is called Mor Mor , but Dana had other ideas.

Howie passed away from a massive heart attack in September 1979.

A few years later, Ott reconnected with an old schoolmate, Bertil Oliver "Ollie" Johnson. They married in 1986 and enjoyed 20 years of adventure and travel until Ollie's passing in 2006.

Fifty-two years after becoming a mother, Ott was "Boomer" to 15 grandchildren — including those from Ollie's daughters: Petra, Greta, and Britta.

Boomer's Loved Ones

9 Children:

Craig ✞ (Linda ✞ ) Wicklund,

Jill (Randy) Keller,

Scott (Roxanne) Wicklund,

Todd (Carole) Wicklund,

Jodi (Jim) Sorrels,

Terry ✞ (Dawn) Wicklund,

Petra (Larry) Dietz,

Greta (Philip) Wheeler,

Britta (Matthew) Gibson

15 Grandchildren:

Dana Clinton, Jake Wicklund, Brandon Bartholomew, Cory Wicklund,

Wintre (Jeff) Johnson, Chayse Keller, Jory Keller, Arden (Scott) Walston,

Karl (Caitlin) Wicklund, Anna (Austin) Nielsen, JohnThomas (Marinela) Sorrels,

Hannah (Vilppu) Anttila, Jana (Logan) Schwieger, Charlie Gibson, Graham Gibson

17 Great-Grandchildren:

Britton, Emery, and Lucie (Arden),

Vivien and Victoria (Wintre),

Corbin, Mila, and Leo (Anna),

Fiona and Nolan (Jake),

Kendall and Carter (Jana),

Emilia, Johnny, Ruth, and Mary Grace (Hannah),

James (JohnThomas)

and several nieces and nephews

Her Life & Legacy

Most of Ott's working days were spent as a homemaker, though she also held part-time retail positions at Stewart's, Owens, and Weise. She later worked as a receptionist at St. Anthony Hospital, Longview Fiber, and several other businesses.

Ott lived independently until May 2022. She enjoyed shopping, attending First Evangelical Free Church, and spending time with family.

Her oldest son, Craig, passed away unexpectedly on April 4, 2021. Her youngest son, Terry, died on July 20, 2023, from ALS.

Ott's steady faith in Jesus Christ as her personal Savior was her stronghold — and now, she rejoices to see His face!

Ott spent her final years at the Health Center at Fairhaven. Though her heart and mind were filled with a lifetime of memories, in the last year, she struggled to hold on to her thoughts.

We are so thankful that God blessed us with our mom — our Boomer — for all these years. We miss her immensely, but rejoice that she is now in the presence of Jesus.

With Gratitude

Our family is deeply thankful for the compassionate care provided by the staff at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center and Northern Illinois Hospice.

Service Details

A memorial service will be held on September 27, 2025, from 12-3 p.m. at First Free Rockford in the Fellowship Hall.