Joseph L. Kitten

Joseph L. Kitten, age 85, of Park Falls, died with his wife by his side on Friday April 28, 2023 at Park Manor Nursing Home in Park Falls, after a courageous 13-year battle with cancer. He was born on September 25, 1937 in Chicago, IL., the son of Leslie and Betty (Balzer) Kitten. Joseph attended Gray Grade School, Round Lake Grade School, Grant High School and Round Lake High School, graduating in 1956. On May 9, 1964 he married his best friend Marilyn Schmidt at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Park Falls. The couple along with their two sons moved to Park Falls permanently in 1975. Joseph was employed at Foxboro Company in Elk Grove Village for 18 years and Saunders Home Center in Park Falls for 18 years. He retired from Coldwell Banker after serving 12 years as a Real Estate Agent. He achieved his private pilot license at age 40 and learned to play the piano at age 58. He was also a Town of Eisenstein Supervisor for 8 years. Joseph was co-founder of Associated Fliers, Inc., and a proud member of Northwoods Classics Old Car Club. He enjoyed golf, fishing, woodworking, gardening, wood carving, and was an avid collector of firewood for wood stoves. Joseph will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, friend, and co-worker. He is survived by his wife Lynn of Park Falls, (2) sons and (7) grandchildren; Michael Joseph (Jennifer) Kitten of Appleton, WI, and their children; Leslie, Nicole, Margaret and Audrey. Robert Carl (Marichris) Kitten of Stillwater, MN, and their children; Joseph, Emilee, and Monica. He is further survived by his sister Geraldine (Henry) Hoes of Fox Lake, IL and their children Jody and Jeff. He was preceded in death by his parents, (1) granddaughter Angelica, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Carl and Edna Schmidt, and (2) sisters-in-law Carla Rybak and Barbara Schmidt. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Park Falls. Deacons Chet Ball and Robert Schienebeck will co-officiate. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service at the church on Saturday, May 27, 2023. The family would especially like to thank the staff at Park Manor Nursing Home for all their care and compassion during these difficult years. Birch Street Funeral Service is assisting the family. www.birchstreetfuneralservice.com

Joseph L. Kitten

September 25, 1937 - April 28, 2023