One of New Ulm’s most iconic musicians, personified by his broad smile, concertina playing, funny story telling, generosity and long list of friends, Wiltscheck died at his home June 24 at age 76.

New Ulm Comrades of Valor Chaplain Mert Gustad read a eulogy for Smiley that included:

“We are proud of recall Allan “Smiley” Wiltscheck’s service to his country. May the ceremonies of today deepen our reverence for our dead, whose should go marching on, sustained by pride or service. Because of them, our nation lives; and because of them, the world is yet free from those would tend to dominate it.

“To the members of his immediate family, we all extend our sincere condolences, and we realize that words seem futile in bringing you so much comfort. May that comfort come in knowing that his life was dedicated to the cardinal principles of freedom, justice, loyalty and democracy. We do his this last farewell in simple reverence, with a rifle salute and the sounding of taps.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Bockfest Boys band members Scott Sparlin, left, and Tony Berg play the accordion at Smiley Wiltscheck’s celebration of life at the Flying Dutchmen Motorcycle Club Grounds Saturday.

“Bereaved and friends, let us here today renew among ourselves, a pledge to united service. To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by devotion to mutual helpfulness. May the love of God be with his family. Ever to rest and abide with them.

“And, to you, in full appreciation of service and loyalty to God and country, we humbly yet reverently say ‘farewell comrade.’

A U.S. flag was presented to Smiley’s son Clayton Wiltscheck.

At Wiltscheck’s celebration of life at the Flying Dutchmen Club Grounds Saturday afternoon, Bockfest Boys band members Scott Sparlin and Tony Berg and others played accordions.

At one point, Sparlin led a vocal round of “Hurray for Smiley. He’s a real fine guy.”

Sparlin said he spent much of his adult life weekends playing music with Wiltscheck. He described his feelings.

“Processing this after knowing him 52 years, it’s hard. It’s all emotions rolled into one. He’s a legend,” Sparlin said of Wiltscheck. There are not many people who don’t know who Smiley is. Back in the 1970s (Golden Valley classic rock station) KQRS radio heard about him and interviewed him.”

Sparlin said Wiltsheck dodged things in his life that others may have succumbed to.

“He was hit by lightning twice in New Ulm. It knocked him out once, but he wasn’t hurt badly,” Sparlin added.

“Anytime I called Smiley to come and play because a guy called me and wanted us to perform. He’d be there every time,” said Sparlin.

A musical jam session tribute to Wiltscheck in planned on Minnesota Street, downtown New Ulm on Friday, July 26.