John James Kitzman

John James Kitzman, age 67, of New Richland, Minnesota, passed away Monday, June 29, 2026, at his home. John was born on May 24, 1959, in Austin to Joseph and Susan (Maas) Kitzman. He was born the youngest of 10 children. John joined the United States Marine Corps on August 31, 1977, and was honorably discharged on October 1, 1980. After his time in the military, he worked as a county surveyor, most recently working for Waseca County. He absolutely loved going for nature drives; he especially enjoyed driving the county roads that he helped with the surveying. John’s camera roll was filled with many photos of sunsets, streams, and his home. He was very proud to have served his country as a Marine and to fly the American flag with honor at his home. Over the decades, John looked forward to anticipating the fun and memorable Kitzman Family reunions that occurred every other summer in a state where one of the siblings lived. The extended family leaned toward nature, lakes, water sports and fishing. Overtime, all adopted his reference to the reunions as simply KFR followed by the reunion year. John was a favorite among his nieces and nephews and will be deeply missed by all.

John is survived by his son-in-law, Jeremy Weller of New Richland; grandchildren, Cameron Kitzman of Mankato, Noah Weller of New Richland and Jonathan Weller of Tennessee; brothers, David (Karen) Kitzman of Colorado, Michael (Joey) Kitzman of California, Brian (Irene) Kitzman of Colorado, and Mark (Sandy) Kitzman of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; sister, Karen (Ed) Peterson of South Carolina; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Susan Kitzman; daughter, Cortney Kitzman in April of 2026; and his brothers, James, Phillip, Kenny and Tom.

A Celebration of Life for John will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.