James N. Wiltgen

James N. Wiltgen, 76, of Sioux City, passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at his home. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 28, 2007, from 3-8 p.m. with the family present from 6-8 p.m. A vigil service will then begin at 7:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2007, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Father Merlin Schrad celebrating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with military honors by the United States Army.

James was born on November 16, 1931, in LeMars, Iowa to Nicholas and Clara (Heissel) Wiltgen. He grew up in LeMars and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1950.

James worked at Wiltgen Construction Company after high school until he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharge in December of 1954.

Upon his return home, he began working for IBM and retired as a customer engineer after 42 years. James married Margaret Kelley on May 5, 1962, in Omaha, Nebraska. They couple moved from Omaha to Sioux City. They have resided in Sioux City for the last 43 years.

James served on the environmental board for the City of Sioux City. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church and is probably best known for his support of Heelan Sports.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Wiltgen of Sioux City, 8 children, James Wiltgen Jr. and his wife Suzanne of Gettysburg, PA, Leo Wiltgen and his wife Lisa of Sugar Hill, GA, Patricia Ganzer and her husband James of New Berlin, WI, Lisa Russell and her husband Greg of Omaha, NE, John Wiltgen of Sioux City, IA, Norita Breyfogle and her husband Collin of Sioux City, IA, Nicole Stanek and her husband Joe of Sioux City, IA, and Daniel Wiltgen of Chicago, IL. 12 grandchildren, 2 brothers, Leonard Wiltgen and his wife Velma of LeMars, IA, and Robert Wiltgen and his wife Pat of Mollala, OR.

James was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Michael, a brother, Merle and 2 sisters, Lorraine Plueger and Evelyn Cameron.