EUGENE KITZEROW

Eugene (“Gene” or “Red”) Frank Kitzerow, age 95, passed away at ThedaCare Hospital in Neenah on Monday, March 18 surrounded by his loving family.  Gene was born on July 18, 1928 in Wausau, Wisconsin to the late Frank and Rose (Marking) Kitzerow.  He attended Wausau High School and enlisted in the United States Navy  upon his graduation at age 17.  After boot camp at Camp Perry, Williamsburg, VA, he attended a 12 month Electronics Technician school at Treasure Island, California followed by a 4 month Ground Controlled Approach school at Olathe, Kansas.  He was honorably discharged in December, 1947 with a rank of ETM2.

After returning from the Navy, Gene bought a small restaurant in Wausau and hired a waitress who soon became his wife.  He married the love of his life, the late Catherine (Katie) Dustin on May 3, 1949 at St. Mary's Church in Wausau, and they spent nearly 69 wonderful years together before her passing on March 7, 2018.  

From 1949-1954 he worked between the Chicago Milwaukee St. Paul and the Chicago Northwestern Railroads in Wausau, WI. In 1955 he was hired by IBM where he had a very successful career as a large mainframe specialist; he retired in 1991.

In his youth, he was an exceptional roller-skater.  He loved playing cards, going to the YMCA,  bowling, camping (37 summers spent camping, with 30 at Jellystone in Sturgeon Bay, WI), listening to music and dancing with Katie, and spending time with family and friends.  He and Katie both enjoyed traveling.  They took many trips together and with friends including cross country Amtrak train trips.   Their favorite trips were to Malaga, Spain where they went for 8 weeks every winter from 1998-2012 and enjoyed walking by the Mediterranean Sea.

Gene is survived by 5 children; Daniel (Julie) Kitzerow of Panama City, FL, Laura (Joe) Wojcik of Cavour, WI, Sarah (Daniel) Holtz of Sheboygan, WI, John (Vicky) Kitzerow of West Bend, WI, Diane (John) Knecht of West Allis, WI;  brother, Irvin Kitzerow of Florida; 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  Gene was preceded in death by his parents; children, Kathleen and Steven “Kip”; siblings, Marvin “Bud” and Annette Olson; and grandson, Christian Holtz.

Dad will be missed dearly but we take comfort knowing that he is waltzing in heaven with mom.

The Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 5 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 660 Division St., with Fr. Nonito Barra officiating. A visitation for family and friends will take place at the church in advance of the services from 9:30 - 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations to SmileTrain are appreciated. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, CNAs and staff at ThedaCare Hospital and ThedaCare Hospice for the wonderful care provided to Gene and the family.