Paul Kittel 07/30/2025

Paul S. Kittel, lifelong New Richmond resident, was born 5/9/1940 to Max and Anna (Jorgenson) Kittel and passed away on July 30th, 2025, at the age of 85 at Westfields Hospital & Clinic with his family with him. Paul had been diagnosed with non-curable Mesothelioma in December 2024.

Paul served in the Army and the National Guard in a career that spanned from 1960 until his retirement with the rank of Major on his 60th Birthday on May 9, 2000. Paul served on active duty, as the Co. B | 128th Infantry Commander in New Richmond, was a recruiter for the National Guard and ended his career as a counselor at MEPS in Minneapolis. Paul also explored entrepreneurial endeavors with his brothers Jack and Dude through Central Lumber in Wanderoos and Paint ‘N Stuff (paint and carpet store) in New Richmond. Many years were spent working at Farm & Home in New Richmond until his full-time military career took over.

Paul’s first marriage brought about his greatest accomplishments; his children Mike (Carson Kreitzer) and “the twins” Kathy and Kris. He was additionally blessed with two step-daughters Jackie and Ann (Tim Otto) through his union with his wife of 33 years Julianne. Those 5 children gave Paul the joys of his life in grandchildren Alisha (Ben Martell) and their 2 children, Liz (Luke Wolf) and their 3 children, Shane (Taylor) and their 2 children, Rachel (Jeff Flicker), Hannah, Jake, Lexi, Josh, Max, Luke, and Henry.

Paul’s hobbies were playing softball in his younger years, lighting off illegal fireworks at 4th of July parties, refinishing furniture with Julie, proud blood donor & volunteer at drives, volunteering at any and all Legion fundraising events, playing golf, attending City Council meetings, trips to the Turtle Lake Casino, and attending events of his grandchildren.

He loved attending coffee at the Shammy & the Legion where he could connect with his friends to talk about life, solve all the world’s problems and speak of his disdain of how the City Beautiful was conducting its business. Paul made friends wherever he went and could talk with anyone. He loved to tell stories to all who would listen.

Paul was proceeded in death by his parents, his brothers John (Jack), Duane (Dude), Herbert (Tubby) and their wives and his nephew Ross. He is survived by his wife Julianne, his 5 children & their partners, 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, his brother Gary who was his partner in crime, breakfast companion, and someone he loved helping, 13 nieces & nephews, his cousins, and many friends.

Paul’s family would like to extend its sincere appreciation to all the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin, and Westfields Hospital & Clinic. They helped to ensure that a not so fun journey left Paul and his family feeling deeply loved and cared for from start to finish.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request that donations be made in Paul’s memory to the American Legion Butler-Harmon Post 80 in New Richmond, American Legion Baseball, Westfields Hospital & Clinic Foundation, or the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin.

A celebration of life will be held for Paul at the American Legion located at 1260 Wall Street, New Richmond, WI on Monday, August 18 with a visitation being held from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. At 6:00 pm there will be a brief time of sharing about Paul’s life and Military honors will follow that.

The family invites everyone to stay and enjoy a meal and continued story telling following the military honors, because no Kittel event is complete without food and stories. ** Please attend in your favorite team apparel to support Paul’s love of sports. He would say Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers preferred. **

A private burial with the family will take place at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Spooner, WI and also at the New Richmond Cemetery at a later date.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.