Calen L. Wirth, age 36 of Ridgeway, WI formerly of Darlington, WI passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at his father’s home in Fayette, WI after a recent struggle with mental health issues, but is now at peace. He was born May 22, 1986, in Monroe, WI the son of Dennis Wirth and Bette (Ed) Kloser. Calen grew up in Fayette Township and graduated from Darlington High School in 2005. After high school he received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville and a degree in Network Communications from Southwest Technical College in Fennimore, WI. Calen worked as an I.T. technician from 2012 to present, most recently working for the State of Wisconsin as an I.T. Specialist.
Calen enjoyed being outdoors hiking, fishing, and was an avid lover of animals especially reptiles and amphibians. He took numerous trips to Glacier National Park and several Canadian National Parks with his father, brother, and his brother’s significant other. Ever since his early childhood he had a great interest in dinosaurs, King Kong, Godzilla, and insects. He was an avid movie buff who could tell you the year a movie came out, who starred in it, and who directed it. Calen enjoyed drawing since early childhood, especially animals and movie figures. He was also an avid sports fan – following the Darlington Redbirds, the Wisconsin Badgers, and the Green Bay Packers. His favorite sports athlete was Michael Jordan. He could quote statistics about athletes from memory. Calen enjoyed working out at fitness centers in the area. In high school he was involved in many activities such as football, cross country, track, forensics, and others. He enjoyed horror and sci-fi movies. His favorite movie was “Predator.” Calen was also a big fan of 80’s and 90’s WWF Wrestling. He also enjoyed smoking/barbequing meat and attending farmer’s markets.
Calen was a very loving and caring person who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He could make people laugh and feel good even when they were having a bad day. He could make you laugh with his impersonations of different people. Calen will be remembered as a loving son and brother. Even though he is gone, we will have fond memories of all the good times we spent together.
Left behind to cherish Calen’s memories are his father: Dennis Wirth of Fayette; his mother: Bette (Ed) Kloser of Darlington; Josh (Kelli Merritt) Wirth of Hillsboro, MO; his sister: Kara (Jason) Tyson of Platteville, WI; his nieces and nephew that he absolutely adored: Ashley, Courtney, Olivia, and Colton; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Wilbert and Hilda Wirth; his maternal grandparents: Stephen and Elizabeth Pandow and Dorothy Pandow; and one uncle: Thomas Pandow.
A memorial service will be held Friday, November 4, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Darlington United Methodist Church (546 Main St., Darlington) with Rev. InSun Lee officiating. A visitation will be held Thursday, November 3, 2022, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Darlington United Methodist Church and on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
