Loren David Wilken, 69, a lifelong Fisher, MN resident, died unexpectedly of natural causes Thursday morning, January 27, 2022.
Loren was born in Crookston on November 25, 1952, the son of Ferdinand and Victoria (Ross) Wilken. He grew up on the family farm near Fisher with his two sisters and brother, raised in a loving, Christian home. Loren was baptized and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisher and graduated from Fisher High School with the Class of 1970. On November 1, 1974, Loren began employment with the American Crystal Sugar Company in Crookston. During his 38-year career with Crystal he worked in all areas of the factory, retiring as a Process Technician on January 10, 2013.
Loren loved the outdoors and enjoyed visits from the wildlife that strolled through the yard of his lifelong home. He took pride in his apple tree which continued to yield buckets of fruit year after year, and he enjoyed sharing the abundance with friends and family. Loren loved watching baseball, especially the Twins, and rarely missed a game. He was a fan of crossword puzzles and especially the challenges of the NY Times puzzle that he solved every week.
Loren was an avid reader and looked forward to conversations with his sister, Sylvia, as they discussed their latest books read. Keeping in touch with sister, Ruth, and brother, Mylan, and all the goings-on in their families meant so much to Loren.
Fishing and canoe trips were Loren’s passion. From the days of his youth as a Boy Scout and spanning his lifetime, Loren was always looking forward to his next trip to Lake of the Woods or one of the many lake areas where he would become one with nature and the great outdoors. His expertise as a fisherman meant the outings would be a success, and he enjoyed sharing his tips with fellow anglers.
Loren was a much-loved brother, uncle, and a friend to many. His sense of humor will be well remembered, and he will be missed.
Loren is survived by his 3 siblings and spouses: Sylvia and The Rev. Richard Pape of Fairport, NY, Mylan and Gretchen Wilken of Las Vegas, NV, and Ruth and Jeff Bartlette of Naples, FL; together with several nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Victoria.
A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Loren David Wilken will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 31, 2022, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisher, MN with Pastor Douglas S. Thompson, officiating. Visitation with his family will be for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Fisher. The Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. The funeral will be live streamed and may be viewed by going to Loren’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com.
Online registration and messages of condolence may be made at www.stenshoelhouske.com
