Journal file photoSmiley Wiltscheck balances a beer bottle on his concertina during an April 17 program at the Brown County Historical Society Museum.Photo courtesy of Tony Berg, New UlmSmiley Wiltscheck lives up to his nickname in this photo taken at Bockfest at the August Schell Brewery in New Ulm.
NEW ULM — One of New Ulm’s most iconic musicians, Allan “Smiley” Wiltscheck, died at this home Monday at age 76.
Personified by his broad smile, concertina playing, funny story telling, generosity, and long list of friends, a musical tribute for Wiltscheck is being planned on Minnesota Street on Friday, July 26.
“Musicians from all over are invited for a jam session (informal music event),” said Scott Sparlin of New Ulm who performed in bands with Wiltscheck for decades including the “Summer’s Eve” band that evolved into “The Bockfest Boys.”
“Processing this after knowing him 52 years, it’s hard joyful and sad. It’s all emotions rolled into one. I’ve spent the vast majority of my adult life weekends with Smiley,” Sparlin said.
“He’s a legend. 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 Wiltscheck dodged things in his life that others would have succumbed to.
“He was hit by lightning twice in New Ulm. First while leaning near electrical conduit in a garage.
“He had a couple holes on the end of his toe where the current came out,” said Sparlin.
“The second time, he was working on a chimney in an attic. He passed out. Fortunately, his kids were nearby and called the ambulance. He wasn’t hurt badly,” said Sparlin.
“He was always the consumate professional musician. I could call him and say something came up. A guy called and wants us to play. He’d be there every time,” Sparlin added.
He said Smiley’s mother Adeline had a profound effect on his becoming a musician.
“She played drums and concertina with him in his early days as a musician,” Sparlin said.
Smiley’s son Russ of New Ulm said his dad lived a “storied life.”
“You just can’t make some of this stuff up. He bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle in 1965 and drove it to the New York World’s Fair and back by himself. He drove it a lot and never got hurt. He joined the New Ulm Flying Dutchmen Motorcycle Club and was instrumental in bringing flat track races to the Brown County Fairgrounds,” said Russ Wiltscheck.
Bockfest Boys band member Tony Berg of New Ulm said he learned a lot from Wiltscheck.
“He had a sense of freedom that I’ll never possess. He could pick up and go at a whim. He had a constantly curious mind. He enjoyed living and was always friendly,” said Berg.
A neighbor for more than 30 years talked fondly of Wiltscheck.
“He would give you the shirt off his back and never expect anything in return,” said Bonnie Mangen of New Ulm.
“He was going to redo his front sidewalk. He asked me if I wanted mine done and wouldn’t take any money for it, other than the cement cost. He was almost offended when I tried to pay him more for it,” said Mangen.
“He lived very simply and happily on the 500 block of Franklin Street North. He would teach kids things like how to make butter and apple juice. He once asked me if he could take my grandson to a Star Wars movie. He was very creative, not materialistic and generous to a fault,” Mangen added.
“He was a gentle, kind guy. He’d sit on his porch, playing a concertina,” said said.
Mangen said her brother was shingling her roof when Smiley put his work clothes on, helped him finish the job and wouldn’t take anything for it.
“I mowed his lawn in the summer. He shoveled my snow in the winter. He always smiled and said hello,” she said.
Participating in the Brown County Historical Museum on April Fool’s Day program in 2017, Wiltscheck balanced a beer bottle while playing his concertina and talked about how he got his nickname.
Smiley said he used to speak German to a classmate in school, which got him in trouble. He said a nun got out a ruler but Wiltscheck said he confused everyone by smiling during his punishment.
Wiltscheck said he learned to play the concertina from Wenzel Fischer, who made him balance a glass of water on the instrument while playing it.
Smiley drove a truck for several local truck lines. He owned a spray foam insulation company and a cafe on North Broadway, across the street from the former Dairy Queen. Sauerkraut and dumplings were among his specialties.
Minnesota Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
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