EDWIN B. KITNERS

CARPENTERSVILLE - Edwin B. Kitners, 54, died at his home in Carpentersville after a nearly five-year battle with a brain tumor and ensuing brain cancer. Ed was born to Al and Edith Kitners on July 8, 1960 and was a lifelong resident of Elgin from the time of his birth at the old Sherman Hospital until his marriage as a 48-year-old bachelor. Ed was an adventurer extraordinaire, as evidenced by his December 2008 marriage to Vicky Rodig, a widow with five children. Ed was an avid lover of nature and wildlife. Montana's famous Glacier Park was his favorite place to visit, dream of and tell backwoods camping stories about. Ed loved nothing better than to sit around a campfire visiting with a friend, or perhaps to take a midnight hike to view the full moon and gaze at the stars on a frosty winter night. Ed loved music as well and included many genres of music, including reggae, jazz and folk, for his listening enjoyment. Ed was an intelligent, well-read man with many interests and hobbies, including politics and political activism. Ed joined the Elgin Rifle Club in 1994, serving as either president, vice president or director for 14 years. He was a lifetime member of both the IRA and the NRA. Ed was a believer in Christ and faithful member of Vineyard Church of Elgin since 2001. A litany of words could be used to describe "Special Ed," as he was fondly called - words like generous, light-hearted, fun-loving, fix-it man, servant to those in need, faithful friend and lover of people. Ed was a delightful husband, companion and friend, and leaves in the wake of his death many grieving hearts. He is survived by wife Vicky Kitners; stepchildren Johanna, Greg, Lindsey, Megan and Joshua Rodig; sister Heidy (Bob) Fleckenstein, niece Jessica (Matthew) Kasmer, nephew Kai Fleckenstein; sister Abby Kitners and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Ed was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held at Vineyard Church of Elgin, 220 Division St., Elgin, on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 to 11 am, followed by memorial services at 11 am. Graveside services will be held at 2 pm at Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Blvd., Elgin. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ed Kitners Memorial Fund; for information call Vineyard Church at 847-697-8001.