Otto Warren Kitzmann

Otto Warren Kitzmann, 92, of Stewartville, passed away Tuesday, August 21, at Seasons Hospice House in Rochester, Minn.

He was born September 4, 1925, in Elmore, Minn., the son of Reverend Otto and Priscilla Kitzmann.  Otto graduated from Elmore High School in 1943. He attended business school in Minneapolis through the summer and joined the Navy in September 1943. After boot camp and radio school at Faragut, Idaho. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Berrien to take part in the Battle of Iwa Jima and later Okinawa.   He received an honorable discharge in early summer of 1946 and attended Mankato State College.

He was a lifetime Legion member for 70 years.  On March 30, 1947, Otto and June Johnson were united in marriage in Frost, Minn.  Otto worked in the office at Elmore Nursery for many years and began a career in banking in 1963, retiring in 1993 from the Fountain State Bank.  From 1960-1970 Otto and June owned and operated Kitzmann’s Resort by Pine River, Minn., during the summer months.  They also enjoyed 19 winters in sunny Phoenix.  Otto enjoyed fishing, golfing and bowling with many friends.  He taught Sunday School, was a member of the church choir, often on church council keeping the financial records, and a member of the Elmore School Board.  In high school he enjoyed band (tuba player), choir and all sports.  He especially had fond memories of  being a part of the unbeaten 1942 Elmore football team. 

A special thank you to Season’s Hospice House in Rochester and Pastor Fritsch of St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Otto is survived by his wife June Kitzmann of Stewartville; his children Ronald (Vicki) Kitzmann, Maple Plain, Minn., Linda (Don) Helmstetter, Blaine, Minn., Pam Kitzmann, Rochester, Minn., Gary (Kate) Kitzmann, Rochester, Minn.; grandchildren, Chad (Mayda) Helmstetter, Kristine (Dana) Kallman, Brian Helmstetter, Heather (Bob) Musman, Josh (Sadie) Kitzmann, Luke Kitzmann, Alex (Lindsey) Haagensen, Mike (Jamie)Haagensen, Scott (Rachel) Haagensen, Christopher (Kelsey) Kitzmann, Jenna (Isaac) Miner, Stephanie (Ron) Citronowicz, Nathan Kitzmann; great-grandchildren Alaina (Jake) Baker, Jacob Helmstetter, Andrew, Ben, Matthew Kallman, Riley and Avery Helmstetter, Charlie Kitzmann, Hannah and Sam Musman, Tyson and Alivia Haagensen, Logan and Owen Haagensen, Keira and Haley Haagensen, Ian and Ada Kitzmann, Evelyn Miner, Esther Citronowicz; great-great-grandson Otto; sister Lois (Paul) Howe, Georgetown, Tex., brothers: Paul (Alice) Kitzmann, Rochester, Frank (Bev) Kitzmann, Jaynesville, Minn., Lowell (Donna) Kitzmann, Bangor, Wis., Merle (Lois) Kitzmann, Mankato, Minn., and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Priscilla Kitzmann, brothers; Delbert and Richard Kitzmann.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Seasons Hospice House, Rochester, Minn., or St. John’s Lutheran Church, Stewartville.

A memorial service for Otto will be 11 a.m.,  Friday August 31, 2018, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stewartville, with lunch following. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.  Military honors and committal service will take place also on Friday at 2 p.m. at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Preston (715 Highway 52).

Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a condolence with the family please visit www.rileyfuneralhomes.com.