Gary Allan Kittelson

Gary Alan Kittelson, 77, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Stoney Brock Village in West Union, Iowa. Gary was born on April 4, 1946 to parents Clarence and Helen (Anderson) Kittelson in Postville, IA, and was baptized and confirmed at West Clermont Lutheran Church. Gary graduated from Valley High School in 1964. He was active in band, football, basketball, baseball and track.
Gary was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967 and became a certified paratrooper, and served one year as Specialist 5-Medic with the 101st Airborne Division. His service medals include: The Bronze Star Medal, The National Defense Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He received an honorable discharge in 1969.
Gary graduated from Luther College in 1972 where he was a defensive end on the football team and was inducted into Luther College Football Hall of fame.
Gary worked as a guidance counselor, a customer representative for Twin Cities Credit Union, and found his passion in remodeling older homes in Minneapolis and as a general contractor for many projects. Gary was passionate about social justice and worked with habitat for humanity and with neighborhood housing association in Minneapolis in underserved parts of the city. In his remodeling business, he looked to employ and build the skills of under advantaged youth and young adults. In 2017 he retired and bought his home in Clermont which he immediately began to restore.
While living in Minneapolis he played rugby for many years and traveled with the team to play in England and New Zealand. His love of the game continued after he retired from playing as he followed the New Zealand Black, and coached young adults.
In 1991 he married Beth Winchell and they traveled to China to adopt their daughter Amy. He cherished Amy with all his being.
A joy of Gary's was his garden and each spring he found it difficult to wait to get new seeds in the ground. He was always eager to help his family on any building projects.
Gary is survived by daughter Amy of Minneapolis, MN., brothers Steven (Peggy), Richard, John, Roger (Janet), sisters Bonnie (Ron) Rawson, and Linda (Jim) Rawson, nephew Chad (Melissa) Gooch and their children Gabe and Elena, nieces Renee and Jennifer Gooch, and Jessica Alvis.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Helen Kittelson.
A Celebration of his Life will be held later this summer.
Memorials may be sent to the Clermont Ambulance Fund or the Clermont Fire Department.