Marian Wiltgen

Sunday, June 25, 2023 5:40 am

Marian Wiltgen, 79 of Ossian, passed away Friday, June 23, 2023 at her home.

Marian Viola, the daughter of George and Viola (Kurash) Backes, Sr., was born January 18, 1944 in Winneshiek County, Iowa. She graduated from St. Luke Catholic High School, St. Lucas, Iowa, in 1962. Her first job after high school was working at Donlon Pharmacy in Decorah. Marian was a secretary for the Winneshiek County Public Health Office for many years. After her retirement, she worked for Blooms on Main in Ossian and helped with lunches at St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School in Ossian. Marian was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and Rosary Society, Gods Housekeepers, and Catholic Daughters.

Marian was united in marriage with William H. “Bill” Wiltgen on Dec. 28, 1963. Her greatest joy was spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She enjoyed attending the Fun and Craft Club and the Sunday Coffee Bunch, dancing, and flower gardening. Marian was an excellent baker and made many kolaches, cinnamon rolls, and other baked goods.

Marian is survived by her husband, Bill, of Ossian; six children, Kathy (Gary) Mauer of Grundy Center; Kevin (Brenda) Wiltgen of Castalia; Loren (Sarah) Wiltgen of Decorah; Mark (LuAnn) Wiltgen of Cresco; Dan Wiltgen of Calmar; and Sarah (Randy) Caddell of Decorah; 14 grandchildren, Heather (Alex) Cue, Jason Mauer, Nick Mauer, Lisa (Jeremy) Brown, Todd Waterman, Mitchell (Sylvia) Wiltgen, Matthew (Kylie) Wiltgen, Christian Johnson, Lauren Johnson, Isaac (Jodi) Wiltgen, Daron (Shawn) Omar, Michaela (Chase) Wiltgen, Lydia Caddell, and Tanner Caddell; 13 great-grandchildren, Leo Mauer, Emily, Lucy, and Isabelle Cue, Gage and Ella Brown, Kole and Kalyse Waterman, Simon, Charlie, Abigail, and Alice Wiltgen, and Eversynn Omar; three siblings, Darlene (Norb) Gossling of Waucoma; George (Betty) Backes, Jr. of Calmar; and Joanne (Virgil) Thuente of Decorah; her siblings-in-law, Carol Wiltgen, Pat (Larry) Bruening, Betty (Allen) Franzen, Tim (Mary) Wiltgen, and Lori (Gary) Dietzenbach; and many nieces and nephews.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents, George, Sr. and Viola; a sister, Elaine Wiltgen; a brother, Don Backes; her parents-in-law, Francis and Rita Wiltgen; her sibling-in-law, Kenneth Wiltgen and two siblings-in-law who died in infancy.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am Friday, July 7, 2023 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian. Rev. Henry Huber will be the celebrant. Inurnment will be held in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and one hour before services at the church on Friday. There will also be a 2:30 p.m. Rosary and Scripture Service on Thursday, July 6, at the church.

Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian is assisting the family with services.