Tori Kittleson

Tori Kittleson, 65, of Washburn, passed away on September 29, 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30 PM on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Max High School, Max, ND.

Tori Joel Kittleson was born May 2, 1960 to Elmo and Twyla Kittleson in Bottineau, ND. Through the years he lived and worked in many places, from childhood years in California, back to North Dakota where he graduated from Max High School in 1978, then some time spent working in North Carolina and Colorado, but then returning to North Dakota to stay.

Tori was previously married to Shannon (Scheresky) and their oldest son Josh was born in Minot in 1982, followed by their second son Cody in 1985, and finally their daughter Maddy in 1991 in Bismarck. They raised their family in Benedict where they often had cousins around to play with, and there are many cherished memories from the family's time there. Tori later moved to Bismarck and finally to Washburn where he owned a home that he was continually improving.

Tori was a jack of all trades--he could work on cars or weld, and he helped build draglines, elevators, as well as beautiful homes. He spent many years working with Kittleson Construction, from which he retired three years ago. Tori's hands were always cold, he had a love/hate relationship with spicy foods, and he could always be found puzzling over the daily crossword, arriving at the jobsite in the morning with several answers somehow already filled out on the drive. He was a hard worker and skilled at many trades, always up to tease and joke and help the workday pass enjoyably.

Tori was energetic and always working on a project, and he liked cooking, baking, and barbecuing. He was a man of his times--he liked Westerns, oldies and seventies music, and was a lover of classic cars. He liked working on cars and going to car shows, and looked forward every year to Buggies 'n Blues. He was a proud Norwegian and a devoted family man--he cherished time with his parents and supported his children each in their own way. Tori understood that true friendship was rare, and that the finest things in life could be found in the smallest of moments like a good cup of coffee with a loved one or the smiles and laughter of his children and grandchildren.

Becoming a grandpa was one of his proudest accomplishments. He was blessed with four granddaughters and three grandsons. Attending the parade in Washburn was a highlight every summer because he loved being able to show off his grandchildren. During his retirement he was able to spend more time visiting family and helping his oldest son in Fargo.

He passed away unexpectedly on September 29, 2025--his time on earth was cut far too short, and he will be dearly missed by his loved ones.

Tori was preceded in death by his mother, Twyla; his father, Elmo; and his nephew Blaine Kittleson.

Tori is survived by his children, Josh Kittleson (Aimee) of Fargo, Cody Kittleson (Rhea) of Bismarck, and Maddy Kittleson (Junior) of Bismarck; siblings, Donavon Kittleson of Benedict, Garrett Kittleson (Maureen) of Turner, OR, Candace Iverson (Ray) of Benedict, Brent Kittleson (Cheryl) of Benedict, Merry Kittleson of Kenmare, and Cori Kittleson of Benedict; grandchildren, Teron, Annalise, Avery, Nora, Sadie, Asher, Mira; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.