Kaden Wilken

January 21, 2005 ~ September 30, 2023
Kaden Ray Wilken, age 18, of Nashua, Iowa died Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 13, 2023 at Nashua-Plainfield High School Gymnasium with Rev. Darin Cerwinske presiding. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Nashua with Drew Wilken, Titus Evans, Trae Geise, Tucker Franzen, Tate White, Carson Chyma, Aiden Hector, and Trey Nelson serving as pallbearers. Jake Sievers is an honorary pallbearer.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at Nashua-Plainfield High School Gymnasium.
Kaden was born January 21, 2005, the son of Andy and Sara (Hejlik) Wilken in Waverly, Iowa. His older brother Drew also welcomed him into the world.
During his early years, Kaden was a young adventurer with a passion for creativity. He spent countless hours building intricate Lego structures and immersing himself in the world of Minecraft, where his imagination knew no bounds. As he grew older, his interests expanded, and he discovered his love for sports.
Kaden's journey through the Nashua-Plainfield Schools marked the beginning of his athletic achievements. He developed an unbridled passion for sports, excelling in football, wrestling, track, and baseball. His dedication and hard work paid off as he became a state qualifier in both wrestling and track during his senior years. Kaden's remarkable commitment was further acknowledged with the prestigious 4x4 award, recognizing his remarkable feat of participating in all four sports throughout his high school years. He graduated from Nashua-Plainfield in May of 2023.
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Kaden possessed a creative side that he cherished throughout his life. As a young boy, he enjoyed drawing and doodling, and his talent for artistic expression continued to evolve as he grew into a young man.
However, it was in the great outdoors that Kaden truly found his calling. He developed a profound love for hunting, whether it was chasing white-tailed deer, turkeys, or any other game. What made these experiences truly special for him was the cherished time spent with his beloved family. Hunting was not just a pastime but a family tradition, an opportunity to bond, and create enduring memories.
Kaden's thirst for outdoor adventures extended to skiing, jet skiing, boating, wakeboarding and swimming, embodying his deep connection with nature. He was a true lover of all things outdoors, finding solace and happiness in the natural world that surrounded him.
On Sundays, you could often find Kaden watching his beloved Minnesota Vikings. His whole family would cheer them on, many times while eating Kaden's favorite food, buffalo chicken strips. Anything with a little buffalo flavor sparked Kaden's taste buds.
Kaden's outgoing personality and zest for life were a beacon that drew people near. His sense of humor and spontaneous spirit made every moment with him an adventure. He was a very outgoing young man, even if he did not know where he was going—a cherished inside joke within his close-knit family.
Above all, Kaden treasured his family and friends. Their presence in his life was his greatest source of joy, and he cherished every moment spent in their company. His love for them was boundless, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Kaden is survived by his parents, Andy and Sara Wilken of Nashua; one brother, Drew Wilken of Nashua; paternal grandparents Jackie and Sherry Wilken of Nashua; maternal grandparents Deb (Brian) Marth of Urbandale and Bob Hejlik of Ankeny; maternal great-grandparents Jim and Janet Nelson of Nashua; two aunts, Abby (Lacey) Wilken of Fairbank, Abby (Jim Krieg) Hejlik of Ruthven, IA; three cousins, Kylee and Alivia Loss, Jaelyn Wilken; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who he loved so much.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Beverly Johnson, Ken Johnson, Vern and Bonnie Wilken, Ralph and Flossie Hejlik.
Prayers for family.
Prayers for his family.
I have no words to ease the pain of this experience, just know many people are caring and praying for you all.
Such sad, sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Prayers for the family
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for healing for the family.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs.
Thought and prayers to the family
So sorrry for you loss. God bless.
🙏 Prayers for the family 🙏
Deepest sympathy to Kaden’s family.
Prayers for the whole family
Prayers sent to the entire family. My heart breaks for you.
So so sad 😞 Deepest condolences to all of Kayden’s family and friends. Prayers to all as they cope with the loss ofthis young man. R.I.P. Kayden.
Hugs
So sorry prayers being sent to his family and friends.
Thoughts and Prayers to all the Family!
Find strength in loved ones and family to help you get through this awful tragedy!
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss and we hope you are able to find some form of peace and comfort in time.
Prayers for the Family 🙏🙏
Our deepest sympathy to Kaden’s family and friends.
💙🙏🙏💙
My sympathy and prayers for all who knew Kaden abd his family. 🙏
Such a tragedy.my sympathy to the family.🙏
So sorry for your loss and prayers sent to the family
My sympathy to the family.
Prayers and sympathy for his family.
Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends if this young man.
We were certainly hoping for a better outcome than this…please accept out prayers.
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Thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and community.
🙏 prayers to the family.
My condolences to the family.🙏🙏🙏
I can’t imagine the loss you are feeling. We are so very sorry. Our deepest sympathy. RIP Kaden
Sympathies to the family and friends.
Deepest sympathies to the entire family! We are so very sorry for your loss!
Prayer to family and friends. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Condolences to the family and friends of Kaden 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
🙏🏼👼🏻❤️
🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
My sorrow for your sorrows.
So sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you all. 🙏🙏🙏 ❤️❤️
My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
So sorry for your loss
Prayers for the family…
Sending prayers and hugs.
Deepest sympathies. Prayers to this family. 🙏🏻
Sympathy to the family
Sincere condolences to Kaden’s family and friends.
His wings were ready, your hearts were not! Love for you!
So sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories get you through the tough days ahead.
Our deepest sympathies to all 🩷🙏
So sorry for your loss…😢🙏🙏
Prayers and sympathy for all family and friends 🙏
Prayers for the family
Prayers for all
I am so very sorry for your loss.🙏
Prayers for the family
So very sorry. Prayers for the family
You are all in our thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻
So sorry for your loss
Sending our deepest sympathy at this terribly sad time you are all going through. Prayers to all of Kaden’s family. May time heal your broken hearts. 🙏
So sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss thinking of all the fsmily
Our condolences to your family! Praying for you as you cope with the loss of your son. ❤
Our Thoughts and Prayers to all his Family!!
Prayers to the Wilken family
My heart hurts for your hearts. Prayer for comfort.
So heartbreaking for family and friends. Such a sad loss…🙏🏼🙏🏼
Prayers to the family.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to family and friends.
Please accept our deepest sympathy from your roller skating friends in New Hampton. We are so sad to hear this.
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Our deepest condolences to all of the family💙🙏🏻
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Prayers for the entire family. 🙏🏻💔
Lifting this young man’s family up in prayer. 🙏
I am so sorry for your loss With Sincere Sympathy 💔😢✝️🙏🙏♥️
Our deepest sympathies to all of Kaden’s family and friends 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Deepest sympathies to Kaden’s family and friends
So very sorry for your loss. With our condolences,
Jack and Sherri Willey
Many prayers for the entire Wilken Family!
Thinking of you…
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Our deepest sympathy to Kaden’s family and friends🙏🙏
My heart breaks for his family and friends. Prayers.
Sympathy and prayers for family and friends of Kaden. 🙏🙏🙏
So very tragic. Peace to the family.
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your son. I pray that your memories help you through this difficult time.
Thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Hugs to you all.
Sorry for your loss
Sympathy and prayers to the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family
Tboughts and prayers to the family.
My deepest sympathy to Andy, Sara and the entire wilken family during this time. May God grant you his peace
Such a devastating loss. My deep sympathy to his family.
such a great kid but a heartbreaking loss. prayers going out to the wilken family. rest in peace kaden.
Sympathy for all the family
Prayers for you at this sad time.
So sorry for your loss !
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My deepest sympathy to Kaden’s family and friends.
Sympathy to Kaden’s family🙏🏻🙏🏻
Words cannot take away your pain, just know that everyone means their sincerest heartbreak. So sorry for your loss.🙏🙏
My sympathy to the family. 🙏
No words can describe the emotions right now. Our deepest sympathy to you Andy, Sara and the entire Wilken family. No one should have to go through such a tragedy. Much love to your entire family!
All my sympathy to Andy, Sara and the rest of the family. Thinking of you all. So, so sorry you are all going through such a sad time.
In sympathy and prayer.
May he rest in Peace.
We are so very sorry for your loss!🙏🙏
Former Deputy Sheriff, retired, Lance and Jan Manson
No words can ease the pain you are all feeling! Sending prayers for comfort during this difficult time. We are so very sorry for your loss – Jamey and Tara Pesek
I can hardly even think about this tragic loss ! This Family has Our Most Sincere Deepest Sympathy!! So Many Hearts are Broken for them !!
No one should have to go through such a devastating loss… our thoughts are with his family & friends.
So sorry!
no amount of words can express this feeling of heartbreak you’re all going through. just know you have so many people around you during this time and anything you need, all it takes is one phone call or text. we’re here for you!! take care of your mental health first. that’s what most important right now. praying for sara, andy, and drew!
I am so sorry for the families loss. I didn’t know Kaden but Deb and I worked together in Nebraska. She talked about her grandchildren often. They mean the world to her. Thinking and praying for your family.
Deepest sympathies
Prayers and sympathy to the family. 🙏🙏
I have spent countless hours thinking of all of you and never coming up with any suitable words to express my thoughts. I am profoundly sorry for the loss of Kaden. Please know that you are in my heart. May you find strength in those who surround you and in the cherished memories of your dear son.
Sara and Andy Drew and Family:
I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and God grant you peace!!!
Please know your on mind during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Kendra Deike
Our sincerest sympathies Andy & Sara and the entire Wilken family. Many prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Such a shocking loss, my deepest sympathy to Kayden’s family.
I am at a loss for words. Prayers for everyone who knew Kaden. He will be missed.
Sorry for your loss.
Our sincere sympathy to the Wilken family. We enjoyed watching him in his sports career. Larry and Barb Gelner
Extending our sincere sympathy!🙏
Our deepest sympathy for all family and friends
Thoughts and prayers for a Special angel..
Andy,Sara and Drew, Your Son and Brother was a sweet young man. He was always polite and kind to me and my family. I know I can’t heal your hearts,just wanted you to know that this is the way I’m going to remember Kaden. Having fun and smiling. So sorry for your loss🙏😇💜 Angela Winters
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Josh, Teona, Hunter and Madeline
My condolences, praying for you all.
We met Drew and Kaden when they mowed our lawn at the Dairy Treat. They didn’t do it for the money as it was more a favor to help us out. Kaden had a ready smile and was a kind young man. His favorite was a bacon pepper jack cheeseburger. He almost always got two because he thought they were good. We are thinking and praying for all of Kaden’s family and friends during this very difficult time. Rest in peace Kaden!
To Andy, Sara, and Drew – I am so very sorry to hear the sad news about Kaden. Wishing you strength and peace.
Sending prayers to his family. Cherish his memories. Jeanne and David Roder
My heart breaks for your family. I lost my son a year ago and realize your pain. May knowing he’s at peace with our lord and and you will be reunited someday give you comfort. Big hugs – Vicky Schroeder
May God wrap his loving arms around you through this difficult time and give you strength. Rest in Peace Kaden.
Thinking of you all and sending prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Hello, I didn’t know your son but I’m from the Charles City area. I noticed the wonderful , extra special Viking bench today with your son’s photo. I lost my nephew a few years ago and his gravesite is near your son’s. TJ , my nephew, was also a big hunter. Prayers to all of you from my family.
Jan S.
Our heartfelt condolences to Kaden’s family. I remember Sarah as a young girl when she lived in our neighborhood. We were next door neighbors to the Dittmer’s. I shall be praying for all of you; for Gods peace and comfort which is the only thing that helps!
Kathy and Wayne Helm (Killdeer St)
I’ve been praying for all of you nonstop since I heard Kaden was missing up until now, and I won’t stop. We (the Dittmers) love you all so much and have so many wonderful memories from doing life together. May our Father God hold you tightly and speak words of comfort to you all each day. We are so so sorry for all you have gone through in losing Kaden. Blessings of peace and love from Rosemary and Roger Dittmer!