Richard 'Rick' Kitzmann

RICHARD "RICK" KITZMANN

Cedar Rapids

Richard "Rick" Kitzmann, 71, of Lakeville, Minn., formerly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Nov. 4, 2021, surrounded by his family after battling a long illness. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Jude Catholic Church by the Rev. Mark Murphy. Burial: St. Patrick and Paul Cemetery, Watkins. A vigil service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday at Teahen Funeral Home. Friends not attending the vigil service may visit with the family from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and after 9 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Rick was born April 1, 1950, to James and Dorothy Kitzmann in Oskaloosa, Iowa. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1968, he went on to study electronics at Kirkwood Community College (Area 10). In 1969, Rick met Judy, and they wed in 1971, going on to have two children, Preston and Tricia and four furry babies, Bear, Freeway, Misty and Blue. Rick worked at General Mills for over 30 years as a maintenance mechanic, where he met several lifelong friends.

Rick was a hardworking man, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant the world to him. He was very proud of Preston, Tricia and his grandsons and always did his best to support them in all their endeavors.

Rick was also passionate about rebuilding cars with his son and grandsons, woodworking projects for his wife and daughter and mowing and caring for his beautiful acreage. He also enjoyed several years bowling on two leagues with his family and friends. Rick loved lounging while watching the Hallmark Channel, he was especially fond of Christmas movies. When Rick wasn't at home, he could often be found at Leonardo's hanging with his closest friends or attending one of his grandson's events.

Anyone who knew Rick knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. He had a heart of gold, and many times was referred as "Little Ricky" or "Little Buddy" by his family and friends. Rick could always be found with a welcoming smile on his face and a Miller Lite in his hand.

Rick was proceeded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Kitzmann; very special cousin, Loren (Caldona) Kitzmann; his paternal and maternal grandparents; his father and mother-in-law, Edmond and Beverly Ballard; and two brothers-in-law, Jim Halliburton and Larry Bragg.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Judy; son, Preston (Amy) Kitzmann; daughter, Tricia (Patrick Walker) Kitzmann; three grandsons, Mitchell, Connor and Grady Kitzmann; his four sisters, Sandy Halliburton, Alice Lewis, Wanda Bragg and Nancy (Doug) Morris; in-laws, Don (Sally) Ballard, Ed (Doris) Ballard, Shirley (Ray) Kilts and Nancy (Burt) White; many loving nieces and nephews; and his special buddy, Blue, his rescue pup.