John Michael Kitkowski

1997 - 2017

John Michael Kitkowski

Las Vegas, Nevada - John Michael Kitkowski, age 20, formerly of Appleton, died unexpectedly and unintentionally at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, December 23, 2017. John was born December 15, 1997, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

John graduated from Clark County Adult High School in March 2016. Prior to moving to the Las Vegas area, he attended schools in the Fox Valley including Appleton East, Appleton West, and Menasha.

John had worked for Holton Brothers doing masonry work prior to his most recent return to Las Vegas.

He enjoyed investing in penny stocks and Bitcoin, spending time outside with his dogs (especially Duke), Badger football games with his big brother, Packer football, driving his BMW, and living life to the fullest. He was so proud of his new apartment. His Twitter feed showed how excited he was about making 2018 his year. He had so many dreams left unfulfilled...

John is survived by his mother, Diane (Di) Popelka (significant other Jim Soukup) of Henderson, Nevada; his brothers Jason Kitkowski of Madison and Cody Kitkowski of Appleton; and his little sister Brielle Blessing of Appleton. He is further survived by his grandparents Ken and Marge Nylund of Green Bay, and Marge Kitkowski of Fond du Lac. Additional surviving family include his aunts, Amie (Greg) Verhasselt of DePere, BethAn (Larry) Schultz of Middleton, and Sue (Pete) Erickson of Fond du Lac; his stepmother Kelli (Jerry) Blessing of Appleton, and numerous cousins.

He is sorely missed by his 3 dogs, Buddy, Max and especially Duke; and his kitten Thor; along with the many friends and acquaintances he made during his too short life.

John was preceded in death by his father, Michael Kitkowski; grandfather, Leonard Kitkowski; stepfather, Ken ("Stubby") Popelka; uncle, Christopher Kitkowski; and just days earlier by his stepbrother Nate Muniz.

Di, Jim, Jason and Cody would like to express their gratitude to the Gypsy Family for their love and support, especially Randy Couture and Mindy Robinson for lodging; Sherri and Gary Herndel, Brett and Patty Ryan, John and Elaine McCarthy, and David Mancuso and Marshalynn Digregorio for all the food and hugs. You are Family. Thanks also to Annette VandeSand for her help coordinating Jason and Cody's travel to Las Vegas and her continued love and support of her grand nephews.

Desert Memorial is assisting the family with final arrangements. Celebrations of John's life will be held in Las Vegas and the Fox Valley at later dates, to be announced on Facebook.