Kaden Wilken

kaden wilken
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.

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  1. I have no words to ease the pain of this experience, just know many people are caring and praying for you all.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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. 🙏

  5. Please accept our deepest sympathy from your roller skating friends in New Hampton. We are so sad to hear this.

  6. My deepest sympathies for the loss of your son. I pray that your memories help you through this difficult time.

  7. My deepest sympathy to Andy, Sara and the entire wilken family during this time. May God grant you his peace

  8. such a great kid but a heartbreaking loss. prayers going out to the wilken family. rest in peace kaden.

  9. Words cannot take away your pain, just know that everyone means their sincerest heartbreak. So sorry for your loss.🙏🙏

  10. 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!

  11. 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.

  12. 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

  13. I can hardly even think about this tragic loss ! This Family has Our Most Sincere Deepest Sympathy!! So Many Hearts are Broken for them !!

  14. No one should have to go through such a devastating loss… our thoughts are with his family & friends.

  15. 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!

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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

  19. Our sincerest sympathies Andy & Sara and the entire Wilken family. Many prayers are with you at this difficult time.

  20. Our sincere sympathy to the Wilken family. We enjoyed watching him in his sports career. Larry and Barb Gelner

  21. 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

  22. 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!

  23. To Andy, Sara, and Drew – I am so very sorry to hear the sad news about Kaden. Wishing you strength and peace.

  24. 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

  25. May God wrap his loving arms around you through this difficult time and give you strength. Rest in Peace Kaden.

  26. 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.

  27. 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)

  28. 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!


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