Michael Wickline

Michael Wickline was born on Dec. 12, 1968, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and died on Aug. 31, 2022, in Carbondale after a courageous struggle with complications from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in 2012.

An avid sportsman and athlete, he grew up swimming, boating and braving Nor’easter waves off Wilmette, Ill.

He played basketball at New Trier High School in Winnetka (Class of 1987).

Always a Chicago sports fan, after graduating from Southern Illinois University, his career in outdoor education spanned the Adirondacks to California, Alaska and South America.

Involving urban youth with new vistas of nature and outdoor adventure gave him the opportunity to increase appreciation for biodiversity in students from all walks of life.

From hiking trails to rope courses, rock climbing and ocean kayaking, he was an expert at instilling confidence and inspiring courage.

Later, a member of IATSE, he worked on movies (“Gone Girl”) and theatrical productions.

He was fond of big dogs, fishing, reading and sharing books and singing songs with his daughter.

He is survived by his daughter, Michaela Wickline of Carbondale, Ill.; his brother, Matthew Wickline (Maggie, William, Grace) of Lake Forest, Ill.; his mother, Peggy Wickline of Cobden, Ill.; and his father, Richard Wickline of Encino, Calif.

A celebration of life and benefit concert are planned at The Old Feed Store in Cobden (see Facebook for the date).