John William Kitzman

John William Kitzman: John passed away Thursday evening at the Northern Mahaska Nursing and Rehab. Center in Oskaloosa at the age 77 years and 13 days. John's family includes his wife, Charlotte of Oskaloosa; sons and daughters-in-law: Jack and Pat Kitzman of Oskaloosa and Steven and Jennifer Kitzman of Gilman, IA; five grandchildren: Alissa, Katie, Tyler, Blane and Jessica Kitzman; and sisters and brothers-in-law: Pauline and Jim Hazen of Clive, IA; Louise Bos of What Cheer and Enid and Donnie Phillips of What Cheer. John William Kitzman, son of Albert R. and Zella L. Emery Kitzmann, was born May 29, 1932 in What Cheer, Iowa. He was a 1950 graduate of What Cheer High School. Following his education, he moved to Davenport where he initially worked for a construction company and then was employed by Ralston-Purina for one year. While in Davenport, John met Charlotte Marie Iversen; they were married December 22, 1951 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport. They made their home in Davenport until John was drafted and entered the Army on Feb. 18, 1953. John served in Korea and was discharged December 23, 1954, when he was released to the Iowa Army Reserves. Upon his discharge, John and Charlotte returned to south-central Iowa, where he farmed near Barnes City, Delta and then south of Sigourney. They moved to a farm north of Sigourney in 1967, which they farmed until 1997, when John retired. John and Charlotte remained on their farm until 2003, when they moved to Oskaloosa. John was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa and was one of the members who was instrumental in building Hope Lutheran Church in Sigourney. He was a past member of the Lions Club. John took a great deal of satisfaction from farming, spending time with his family, and he and Charlotte eagerly followed their grandchildren's school activities and sporting events. They also enjoyed traveling; he and Charlotte traveled to Alaska, Europe, Hawaii and Nova Scotia. Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers: Harvey, Dewayne, LeRoy and Emery and a sister, Dorothy Churchill. PDF Printable Version

John William Kitzman

May 29, 1932 - June 11, 2009