Collin E.F. “Shitty” Giddings, age 48, of Ridgeway passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026. He was born on April 10, 1978 in Beloit, the son of Collin A.S. and Donna Giddings.
He graduated from F.J. Turner High School in Beloit. After high school Collin attended Southwest Technical College in Fennimore where he earned his automotive technician diploma. Then he attended Western Wisconsin Technical College in La Crosse earning his diesel and heavy equipment technician diploma. He worked at Daniels Construction in Madison for 18 years as a diesel mechanic. During his time there he also plowed snow, drove dump truck, and earned his crane operator certificate. This is also where he was given the nickname “Shitty” by his coworkers.
He married Heidi Hartley in 2002 and later divorced. They moved to Ridgeway in 2003. Collin joined the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department where he was a dedicated member for 22 years. He always had his pager by his side day or night ready to respond. He was the first one to help service all the fire trucks. Collin served as an officer on the department for several years and he was always volunteering in his community as well.
He supported his children in their many activities from cattle shows to dance recitals to band concerts. He loved them dearly and was very proud of them. In his free time he enjoyed hunting, UTV rides, Demolition Derbies, four-wheeling, playing euchre, and spending time with friends and family. He always had a good story to tell. He made many friends throughout his life and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
He was survived by his children Natalie, Emma and Grant Giddings; his mother, Donna Giddings; his sisters Consuela (Epifano Jr.) Munoz, Katrina (Darrin) Owens, and Melinda Giddings; former spouse, Heidi Giddings; a niece, nephews, relatives, fellow fire fighters, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Collin A.S. Giddings, and his grandparents.
The family will have a private burial at a later date.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to Collin’s children’s education fund. Please send to Gorgen Funeral Services, 400 East Grace St, Dodgeville, WI 53533.
The family would like to thank the Ridgeway Fire Department and First Responders, Barneveld Fire and EMS, Dodgeville Fire and EMS, Hollandale EMS, Iowa County Sheriff’s office, Iowa County Coroner, and the Gorgen Funeral Home.
Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers Funeral Home
www.gorgenfh.com