Isaac Joseph Wiltgen

Isaac Joseph Wiltgen, 29, of Ridgeway, passed away from a short but courageous battle with cancer, July 23, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus surrounded by his family. 

Isaac J. Wiltgen was born May 24, 1994, in Rochester, Minnesota, son of Mark and LuAnn (Heying) Wiltgen.  Isaac was a 2012 graduate from Crestwood High School and went on to earn a degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University.  For the past seven years, Isaac has been employed with Winneshiek County Engineer’s Department, doing what he loved, designing and building roads and bridges. 

Isaac had the gift of being able to strike up a conversation with anyone; whether they were young or old.  He was the friend who was quick to lend a helping hand and known for his many “Isaac-isms”. He loved to play and watch all sports, especially the Iowa State Cyclones and the Dallas Cowboys. Isaac relished the outdoors.  He liked the thrill of a deer coming into his sight, a fish biting the lure, floating in a canoe and being out on the boat. Isaac also enjoyed exploring nature with his dogs, Copper, Otis and Harvey.

Most important to Isaac was his family and friends.  Growing up Isaac was very protective of his sisters. He was excited to become an uncle and loved his niece and nephews dearly. Isaac met and fell in love with Jodi Sorensen, together creating a perfect life. The couple became engaged and were planning a wedding for May 18, 2024. Isaac has the best group of friends that knew how to have a good time and always had time for “just one more”.

There is no way to put into words to describe the kind, courageous, strong, loving and caring man Isaac was. If you knew him, you loved him!

Isaac is survived by the love of his life, Jodi Sorensen of Ridgeway; parents: Mark and LuAnn Wiltgen, of Cresco; sisters: Daron (Shawn) Omar, of Cresco, and Michaela (Chase Lienhard) Wiltgen, of Stewartville, Minnesota; his niece, Eversynn Omar; bonus sister Shannon Seehusen, of Cresco; paternal grandfather, William Wiltgen, of Ossian; maternal grandparents: Ernest and Kathleen Heying, of Calmar; mother-in-law Julie Sorensen, of Cedar Falls; brother-in-law Ben (Beth Bellinger) Sorensen, of Marshalltown; sisters-in-law: Jennifer (Jake) Weitzell, of Reinbeck, and Jessi (Derek) Noteboom, of Grundy Center; nephews: Jamisen and Jaxsen Weitzell; many aunts; uncles; cousins and countless friends. 

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother Marian Wiltgen and father-in-law Harold Sorensen.

A Memorial Mass was set for Notre Dame Catholic Church Monday, July 31, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Jacob Rouse, burial in Calvary Cemetery and visitation at the church Sunday, July 30, from 3 to 7 p.m. followed by a prayer service and visitation continuing at the church one hour prior to the service Monday. Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home is assisting the family.