Franklin Kitzmann, age 91, went to his Heavenly home on May 9, 2025, with his loving family at his side.

Franklin Allen Kitzmann was born on May 26, 1933, in Elmore, Minnesota. He was the fifth child of the Rev. Otto and Mrs. Priscilla Kitzmann. He was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elmore in 1947, and graduated from Elmore High School in 1951. He served his country from 1953-1955.

Franklin married Beverly (nee Hougen) on December 30, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth. Together they raised 7 children: Joleen (Robert) Kubiszewski of Ramsey, MN; David (Julie) Kitzmann of Minnetonka, MN; Barbara (Brian) Mercer of Kerrick, MN; Janette (Thomas) Dezell of Ramsey, MN; Donald (Wendy) Kitzmann of Forest Lake, MN; Kathryn (Erik) Varness of Peoria, IL; and Marsha (John) Werner of Fond du Lac, WI.

He was a loving grandfather to Brett, Craig, Tara, Mallory, Heidi, Corysa, Michael, Jenny, Gina, Steven, Brandon, Emma, Max, Samantha, Alexandra, Benjamin, and Garrett; and great- grandfather to 23 great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; siblings Paul (Alice) Kitzmann of Rochester, MN; Lois (Paul) Howe of Georgetown, TX; and Lowell Kitzmann of Bangor, WI. He is remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Beverly; son-in-law Paul Wroge; grandson Steven Wroge; brothers Delbert, Otto, and Richard; and sisters-in-law Delores, June, and Mary. His youngest brother Merle, died later on the day Franklin passed.

Franklin exemplified stewardship throughout his life. A skilled craftsman, he worked as a carpenter: making furniture and cabinets, repairing fire-damaged houses, and building or improving homes in Osseo, Hamburg, and New Ulm. He could both envision the project and execute the fine details.

Around age 40, he followed his vision to own a dairy farm. He and Beverly moved their young family to Hamburg, MN, where he quickly learned land stewardship (tilling, planting, nurturing, harvesting) and livestock stewardship (primarily Holstein dairy cattle).

Family farming requires ingenuity, organization, and hard work. Franklin always had a list, and not just for himself. Once one list was finished, he reached inside his bib overalls for another. A good steward does not waste the day away! Later, at the St. Clair farmhouse, he kept busy mowing his enormous lawn in lieu of fields to tend.

Franklin was a steward of joy. He loved music: playing tuba, accordion, and concertina. He frugally saved nickels and dimes for a custom concertina. The greatest joy of music is sharing it. That meant an occasional multi-generational family music session or the concertina club trip to Germany that he and Beverly took. More recently, he sang to the Benedictine staff, even humming for the hospice nurse in his final days. Franklin also brought joy with his quick comebacks and kidding around.

Faith and family were core values for Franklin. He made sure his children were raised in the church and received a Christian education. He greatly loved Beverly and faithfully cared for her during her journey of dementia. His eyes lit up when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to visit.

His Christian funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Anoka. Visitation will be at 10:00 am with service at 11:00 am. Lunch will follow.

Interment is at 11 am on Friday, May 16th, at Tivoli Cemetery in rural Eagle Lake near their old farm in Janesville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Anoka, Minnesota

Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home - Anoka, Minnesota - 763-421-0220 - www.thurston-lindberg.com