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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 stepdaughters 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, bowling, 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, Jeanne, Tooter, and Carol, his nephew Ross, brothers-in-law Bill Diem and Bill Nowak, and sister-in-law Sylvia Diem. 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, his brother-in-law Darryl (Mara May) Topel, sister-in-law Audrey Nowak, 20 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 was 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 was a brief time of sharing about Paul’s life and Military honors followed.
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.
Click here to watch the recording of Paul’s memory sharing service
26 Comments
Paul was my Captain for yrs in the Nat. Guard. He try to make the Nat Guards fun. We work hard and had good times after duty. He was GREAT man.
Thank you for your kind words about Dad.
I was in the New Richmond National Guards with Paul 1962 to 1968 He was a Great guy.
Thank you. 😊
I Replaced PK as recruiter when he moved to MEPS. He was a great mentor and friend. RIP Paul.
I remember! Thank you, Doug.
Paul and I were in the Guard together for 20 years. Whenever I was back in NR, we’d always reminisce of old times. He was a great leader and very good friend. Rey Johnson former 1st. Sgt. CoB
Thank you, Mr Johnson.
Thank you for your kind words.
I had the privilege of serving in the WI Army National Guard with Paul, Major Kittel, and later Sergeant First Class Kittel. He was a dedicated soldier who mentored many men, both enlistees, and seasoned soldiers. His natural skills would help them through difficult issues, gaining their confidence and respect. He selflessly gave his time and talents to many and was an inspiration to me in my military career. Thank you to Paul for all you have done. You will always be a known leader with a warm, matter of fact demeanor that I admired and respected.
Thank you for those words, Scott!
Kittle Family: I was very fortunate to grow up on the Eeat side with the Kittle family. My older brother Gary was a good fiend with both Paul & Gary. As I grew up I also became a friend of theirs. I’ll never forget when Paul came to my house after I had broken my leg during the Summer before my freshman year started. He handed me some current Sports Illustrated magazines & gave me a pep talk about playing sports after I got healed up. That meant a lot to me. I was fortunate to play for the NR Miller’s after high school where I became even more connected to the Kittle family. I worked with Anna at the Green house for four yrs while in high school. I got to know Dude, Jack & Tubby. The Kittle family was very influential in creating my love for baseball. After baseball golf became a passion to keep our competitive juices flowing. I am still connected with the Kittles with golf to this very day. I will miss Paul very much as all of you will. They have been an extended family to me.
Mr Pederson – Wow, thank you for sharing all those memories with all of Anna’s boys and of Grandma – it means a lot!
So many great memories of my Paulie Alligator. Always making me
feel like family and greeting me with the biggest hug, a smile and a NellieGator! Love to you all.
❤️
Paul was the NCO that enlisted me into the national guard. Paul was there to support me when I was the First Sergeant for Bravo Company when we deployed the second time overseas. The impactful thing he gave was his 1/128 crossed rifles crest, and I carried it every day the whole deployment it was always a part of my uniform. Then when I became a Sergeant Major he was one of the first Bravo comrades to congratulate me. So Major Paul Kittel rest in peace you’ve earned it.
What a great story. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing this Tony!
My deepest sympathies on Paul’s passing. I was the MN
ARNG MEPS Liason working with Paul from 1996 to 1999. I’ll always remember his humor, camaraderie, and work ethic with applicants. He was a pleasure to work with and helped made a high stress job tolerable. I’m grateful to have known him. Prayers for healing and comfort are sent to the Kittel family.
Rest in peace, Paul.
Thank you for your kinds words. Appreciate hearing of these connections.
Thank You so much! So nice to hear aMSOS story too!
MEPS
Paul was our Company Commander during my time in the NR Guards. Great man and a great commander. He was fun to talk to while on/off duty. Would see him at Turtle lake and still enjoyed talking with him. Great man and he will be missed.
thank you for those kind words!
Major Paul Kittel was the definition of Soldier Care. He would not only remember you but had a unique way of interacting with you personally as well as in writing. We would share stories about recruits, their careers and life lessons learned throughout his career. I am very grateful to have shared my entire military career with PK as my counselor. He was always there for me, just a phone call away providing sound advice and rationale thinking. Paul enjoyed deer hunting with my family and friends. He managed to hunt even when he lost eyesight in one eye even though the deer became a lot safer. I met Paul when I joined the Guard, he was my Unit administrator, Supply SSGT, Unit Recruiter SFC, Supervisor, landlord, hunting partner, most trusted mentor, brother in arms and my friend. Thank you for sharing and caring. Prayers from our family to the Kittel family… Rest in Peace Paul.
I enjoyed talking sports with Paul at the Legion on Fridays. And him filling me in on why his kids were up to. I haven’t been to the Legion for Friday coffee since my dad passed. I didn’t realize Paul was battling cancer. My heart goes out to the family.
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