Garry Wiltgen

Monday, March 2, 2015 3:18 pm

Garry Wiltgen, 68, of Calmar, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, after a short illness. Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. Monday, March 2, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar, with Rev. Donald Hawes officiating. Organist was Jeanette Dietzenbach. Soloists were Clark Goltz and Lindsay Irvine (“Fly Like a Bird”); other music was sung by St. Aloysius Choir. Special music included “I’m Not Going to Miss You,” by Glenn Campbell. Congregational hymns were  “Here I am, Lord,” “On Eagle’s Wings” and “How Great Thou Art.” Lector was Bobby Joe Klimesh. Offertory gift bearers were Chad, Chris and Casey Wiltgen. Eucharistic ministers were Lois Poshusta, Sue Busta, Kay Heying and Wayne Wiest. Honorary casket bearers were Jason Uhlenhake, Josh Uhlenhake, Cory Ellingson, Sara Riehle, Lisa Schmitt, Brittany Wiltgen and Travis Wiltgen. Casket bearers were Linus Luzum, Craig Frana, Ken Schissel, Bob Lentz, Jim Buchheit, Tom Ridout, Lester Hageman, Don Schroeder, Ron Bullerman and John Heying. Interment was at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery, Calmar. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Calmar.

Garry Richard Wiltgen was born Oct. 22, 1946, the son of Richard and Viola (Wagner) Wiltgen in Decorah. Garry attended St. Aloysius Catholic School and South Winneshiek High School, graduating in 1964. He was united in marriage to Dianne Hubka June 24, 1967, in Protivin. Garry worked at Wiltgen Construction and drove trucks and loader way before he even got a driver’s license. Garry purchased Wiltgen Construction in 1987; and this year, they celebrate their 70th year in business. Garry was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, the Calmar Lions Club, past member of the South Winn Country Club and Calmar Commercial Club. He served on the Calmar Zoning Commission, Calmar Fire Department and Calmar Development Committee. He also developed the Rolling Hills sub division north of Calmar. Garry enjoyed working, playing cards, line dancing and going for rides in his ’64 Chevy Impala convertible; and the joys of his life were his grandchildren. 

Garry is survived by his wife, Dianne, Calmar; three sons: Chad (Kristina) Wiltgen, and sons, Mason and Carter, Decorah; Chris (Nicole) Wiltgen, and Chloe and Augie, Calmar; and Casey (Katie) Wiltgen and daughter, Maci Pearl, Calmar; one sister, Janet (Jerome) Uhlenhake, Calmar; one brother, Gene Wiltgen and friend, Angie Gaul, La Crosse, Wis.; two sisters-in-law, Linda Schmitt, Calmar and Jane (Steve) Ellingson, Lawler; nieces and nephews: Jason Uhlenhake and Josh (Samantha) Uhlenhake, Cory (Laurie) Ellingson, Sara (Ron) Riehle, Lisa Schmitt, Brittany Wiltgen and Travis Wiltgen.  

Garry was preceded in death by his parents, Viola, Aug. 1, 2001 and Richard “Dick” Wiltgen, July 15, 2005; one brother, Gerald “Augi” Wiltgen, Sept. 18, 2006; one nephew, Justin Uhlenhake, May 24, 1988; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leonard and Gladys (Frey) Hubka; one brother-in-law, Gary Schmitt.