Terrance “Terry”  Gene Wiltgen

Terrance “Terry” Gene Wiltgen, age 74, of Rochester, Minn., and formerly of Harmony, Minn., passed away surrounded by loved ones in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 26 at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Rochester due to complications from Alzheimer’s. He was a devoted husband, loving father of two, and a caring grandfather.

Terry was born on October 20, 1951, in Harmony, Minn., to Walt and Betty Wiltgen. He grew up in Harmony with older brothers Ron and Wayne and younger sisters Susan and JoAnn. He graduated in 1969 from Harmony High School.

Terry went on to earn an accounting degree at the Winona Area Technical Institute, or “vo-tech” as he called it. He then worked for Hal Leonard Publishing in Winona, an accounting firm in Eagan, the Harmony City Clerk’s Office, and for his brother Ron at the newspaper in Preston.

However, his passion and curiosity led him out from behind a desk and into the community. Terry later worked as a DHIA technician and carpet cleaner in Fillmore County before beginning a career of over 25 years as a postal carrier at the United States Post Office in Rochester.

Terry met the love of his life, Sharon Torkelson, in 1982. The couple married August 18, 1984 at Henrytown Lutheran Church. They lived together in what had been Terry’s bachelor pad on Center Street in Harmony, building it into a family home where they raised their children Adam and Alan. In 2008, Terry and Sharon moved to Rochester where Terry would retire from the Rochester Post Office in 2013.

Terry enjoyed many hobbies with his family and friends, including cycling, swimming, sledding, playing golf, nature walks, tinkering on projects, and rooting for the Minnesota Vikings. Terry and Sharon traveled throughout Terry’s life, including favorite destinations in Florida and Arizona. He enjoyed drawing and painting with his son Alan, especially in retirement. He shared a passion for music and thrill rides with his son Adam. He loved spending time and playing with his granddaughter Willow. He was left-handed and proud of it.

He is survived by his wife,  Sharon of Rochester; sons Adam (Nicole) of Red Wing, Minn., and Alan (Maria) of Madison, Wis.; granddaughter Willow, sister-in-law Sharon A. Wiltgen of Gaylord, Minn.; brother Wayne (Mary) of Otter Tail, Minn.; sisters Susan (Tom) of Owatonna, Minn., and JoAnn (Stephen) of Queen Creek, Ariz.; and several nephews and nieces.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Walt and Betty, and brother Ron.

A celebration of life service for Terry will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, Minn. Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, and one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at Oakwood East Cemetery, Rochester, Minn.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Wiltgen family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefhcom.