Sharon Ann Wiltgen

Sharon Ann (Baumler) Wiltgen was born April 3, 1947, to Martin and Esther (Schott) Baumler. She was baptized Catholic as an infant and was later confirmed in her youth, staying devoted to her Catholic faith throughout her life. Sharon, a proud Iowan, was raised on a farm near Burr Oak, Iowa, and attended school in Canton, Minnesota, graduating from Canton High School in 1965. After high school, Sharon moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where she worked as a lab technician at Mayo Clinic. During that time, she was introduced to “Ronnie” Wiltgen by their mutual good friend, Shirley Whalen.

Sharon married Ronald Dean Wiltgen on September 21,1968, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Plymouth Rock, Iowa. Soon after, they built a home in Preston, Minnesota, where they would begin raising their three daughters, Sheila, Rhonda, and Stacey.

Sharon served primarily as a devoted mom and homemaker–working hard at creating and keeping strong family traditions and teaching valuable life skills, while inspiring creativity, a love of academics and a passion for the outdoors in her children. Together with Ron, Sharon placed great importance on staying well connected with family and friends. Deciding who to call and where to visit was part of most every weekend family ritual.

In 1983, Ron received a job promotion and the family moved to Gaylord, Minnesota, where Sharon would reside the rest of her days.

Over the years, Sharon enjoyed social activities like card club and church-related events as well as countless gatherings with friends and family. Sharon enjoyed quiet activities such as crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles and anything that would challenge her intellect. She enjoyed playing board games with her kids and grandkids, always loved a good day of yard sales, and had a deep appreciation for birds and nature, as well as a special place in her heart for her many beloved pets throughout her lifetime. Sharon was well known for her sharp wit–appreciated and remembered by many for her very amusing, dry sense of humor.

Above all, Sharon cherished and prioritized her connection with God and frequently offered to pray the rosary for anyone in need of prayer or blessing. She surrendered to her last breath and her reunion with Christ, while in the midst of having the rosary prayed for and with her by her oldest daughter, Sheila. Sharon had been looking forward to the day she would reunite with Ron in Heaven since his passing in 2014. Blessed be their reunion and their memory.

Sharon is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald, in 2014; granddaughter, Ariel Grace; siblings, Virgil Baumler, Elaine (Arlin) Brynsaas, LaVonne (Florian) Gehling, Larry Baumler, Donna Koperski, Arlan Baumler; sister-in-law, Joyce Baumler; brothers-in-law, Paul Schmelzer, Terry Wiltgen. She is survived by her daughters, Sheila (Troy) Knacke, Rhonda Cannata, Stacey Wiltgen; grandchildren, Erica, Megan, Tory, Ty, Evan, Hope, Ben; siblings, Floyd Baumler, Diane Schmelzer; sisters-in-law, Karen Baumler, Sharon R. Wiltgen, Susan (Tom) Ehlen, JoAnn (Stephe) McBroom; brother-in-law, Wayne (Mary) Wiltgen.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the amazing and angelic staff at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, Minnesota, for their phenomenal care and compassion provided to Sharon in her final days.