Richard Kitzmann (1950-2021)

KITZMANN, BALLARD, HALLIBURTON, BRAGG

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 11/8/2021 at 20:39:22

Richard (Rick) Kitzmann, 71, of Lakeville, MN (formally from Cedar Rapids, IA), passed away on November 4, 2021, surrounded by his family after battling a long illness. Services: 10 a.m., Saturday at St. Jude Catholic Church by Rev. Mark Murphy. Burial: St. Patrick and Paul Cemetery, Watkins. A Vigil Service will be held on Friday at 4 p.m. at Teahen Funeral Home. Friends not attending the Vigil Service may visit with the family on Friday from 4:30 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home and after 9 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

Rick was born on April 1, 1950, to James and Dorothy Kitzmann in Oskaloosa, Iowa. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1968, he went on to study electronics at Kirkwood Community College (Area 10).

In 1969, Rick met Judy, and they wed in 1971, going on to have 2 children, Preston and Tricia and four furry babies, Bear, Freeway, Misty and Blue. Rick worked at General Mills for over 30 years as a maintenance mechanic, where he met several lifelong friends.

Rick was a hardworking man, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant the world to him. He was very proud of Preston, Tricia and his grandsons and always did his best to support them in all their endeavors.

Rick was also passionate about rebuilding cars with his son and grandsons, woodworking projects for his wife and daughter and mowing and caring for his beautiful acreage. He also enjoyed several years bowling on two leagues with his family and friends. Rick loved lounging while watching the Hallmark Channel, he was especially fond of Christmas movies. When Rick wasn’t at home, he could often be found at Leonardo’s hanging with his closest friends or attending one of his grandson’s events.

Anyone who knew Rick knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. He had a heart of gold, and many times was referred as ‘Little Ricky’ or ‘Little Buddy’ by his family and friends. Rick could always be found with a welcoming smile on his face and a Miller Lite in his hand.

Rick was proceeded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Kitzmann, very special cousin Loren (Caldona) Kitzmann, his paternal and maternal grandparents, his father and mother in-law Edmond and Beverly Ballard, two brother in-laws, Jim Halliburton and Larry Bragg.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Judy, son Preston (Amy) Kitzmann, daughter Tricia (Patrick Walker) Kitzmann, three grandsons Mitchell, Connor and Grady Kitzmann, his four sisters; Sandy Halliburton, Alice Lewis, Wanda Bragg and Nancy (Doug) Morris; in-laws Don (Sally) Ballard, Ed (Doris) Ballard, Shirley (Ray) Kilts and Nancy (Burt) White, many loving nieces and nephews, and his special buddy, Blue, his rescue pup.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Rick can be made to Eastern Iowa Honor Flight or Critter Crusaders of Cedar Rapids.