Gerald Kitzman

Gerald T. Kitzman, age 80 of Faribault, MN, passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at the District One Hospital in Faribault following an extended illness.

Gerald Thomas, the son of Theodore and Elaine (Plante) Kitzman was born on September 25, 1940 in Faribault.  He attended Faribault High School and graduated with the class of 1958.  After high school Jerry attended Faribault VoTech for Tool & Die and worked at the Village Theater.  In 1961 he began his service time in the U.S. Army and was later honorably discharged.   On February 6, 1965 he was united in marriage to Shirley Wilson at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Faribault.  Shirley preceded him in death on March 17, 2013.  Jerry worked for many years at Genova, retiring as a supervisor in 2005.  He also at Crown Cork and Seal in Faribault.  They did move for a short time to Albany, OR and owned and operated a small appliance repair shop.  Later they returned to Faribault and in retirement moved to Kenyon, MN from 2002 to 2017 and for the past five months Jerry had been living with his daughter Kim and her family.  He thoroughly enjoyed this as he was able to be with family all the time.  He loved spending time with all of his family and especially enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren.  He always looked forward to having a beverage with his brothers at the Signature on Tuesdays and Fridays and was upset when he couldn’t make it.  He enjoyed golfing and most of the time liked the Vikings.

He is survived by his children, Daniel Kitzman, David Kitzman (Kelly Larson), Dean Kitzman and Kim (Harry Jr.) Gruber, all of Faribault; by two granddaughters, Alicia Kitzman and Samantha Westerhouse; by three great granddaughters; by his siblings, Barbara (Jim) Swanson, Chuck (Ruth) Kitzman, William (Janet) Kitzman and Marsha (Jerry) Moravec, all of Faribault and Timothy (Robbie) Kitzman of Maple Grove, MN; by his sisters-in-law, Sharon (Wayne) Schmidt and Patty (Marty) Nilles, both of Oregon and by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, stepfather, Louis LeMieux, sister, Kathleen Wallaker and by their family pet dog, Abby.

Private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive in Faribault with Fr. Brandon Theisen officiating.  Interment will be held at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Organization.  The service will also be livestreamed through a link found on Gerald’s obituary page at www.ParkerKohlFuneralHome.com.