Kenneth Kittelson

Kenneth Kittelson, of Montevideo, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025 at his home in Montevideo at the age of 85.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan with burial in the Kviteseid Lutheran Milan Methodist Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at Anderson - TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Kviteseid Lutheran Milan Methodist Cemetery. https://www.milanslutheranchurch.com/klmm-cemetery

Arrangements are with Anderson - TeBeest Funeral Home of Montevideo. www.andersontebeest.com

Kenneth Selmer Kittelson was born on October 19, 1939, in Swift County, MN, to Selmer and Lillian (Norman) Kittelson. He was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist Church in Milan. A proud graduate of Milan High School, Ken graduated in 1957 and after graduation, attended Dunwoody Institute.

In 1958, Ken enlisted in the United States Army, where he served with honor until his discharge in 1960. During the Berlin Crisis in 1961, he was recalled to service and received a second honorable discharge in 1962.

In 1963, Ken returned to the family farm, where he would spend the next four decades farming. On April 3, 1965, he married Janet Thomton at Bergen Lutheran Church in rural Granite Falls, MN. Together, they raised three children: Guy, Wade and Tonia.

Farming was an important part of Ken’s life, and he was actively involved in many organizations related to agriculture. He took great pride in the family farm and the opportunity to work alongside his brother Les, nephew Larry, and son Wade Kittelson. Ken served on numerous boards for many years and played a key role in supporting services that benefited the farming community, including Farm Credit Services for 17 years.

Ken’s deep love for his family was the cornerstone of his life. He took immense pride in supporting his children and grandchildren as they participated in school activities, and he was always present at the important moments. He also valued the importance of attending church, especially when doing so with his family. The "Kunk" (Kittelson Unopen Norwegian Klassic) annual family reunion was one of his favorite times of the year. It brought the Kittelson family together to enjoy good company, create new memories, and celebrate their shared traditions. Ken was equally proud of his Norwegian heritage, a legacy he treasured deeply, often reflecting on the fact that he was 100% Norwegian. Janet and he shared a special bond, particularly in their years spent making Lefse together, a tradition they both held dear.

In addition to his devotion to family, Ken enjoyed 25 wonderful years wintering in Sun Lakes, AZ, with his wife. He enjoyed golfing, deer hunting, and traveling—activities that brought him joy throughout his life. In 2010, Ken and Janet were fortunate to take a memorable trip with friends to Norway, Sweden, France, and Germany. He was known for his positive attitude and the saying, “There’s always room for one more,” often shared by his close friends and family.

Ken is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Janet; children, Guy (Juliette) Kittelson of Weston, CT, Wade (Kim) Kittelson and Tonia Kittelson (Kelsie Carlson) of Foley; grandchildren, Braiden (Emily), Tayler, Kaitlyn, Kenneth and Arcadia; sister, Wanda Driver; sister-in-law, Rio Kittelson; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Hazel Kittelson and Eleanor Stuckey; and brothers, Ralph Kittelson, Walter Kittelson and Leslie Kittelson.