Michael Kitto
October 13, 1943 - August 22, 2014
Obituary
Michael J. Kitto, Sr. passed on Friday, August 22, 2014, at 70 years of age, after a long battle with pain due to several injuries. Mike was born in 1943, and raised in Ishpeming Michigan, leaving to volunteer to serve his country as a Green Beret in the Army in Vietnam in the early sixties. As part of his Special Forces training, Mike trained as a medic and studied several languages. Following his honorable discharge after two tours, Mike attended Northern Michigan University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Thereafter, Mike enjoyed a long career in Lansing and Saginaw in claims management, eventually rising to underwriting and risk management director of St. Luke's hospital in Saginaw, MI, a job he enjoyed until he retired. Mike Kitto was 100% Finnish, and proud of it. He was born to Elsie Erkkila Kitto and Matt Kitto in 1943, and grew up with numerous aunts, uncles and first cousins as part of his upbringing in Ishpeming, Michigan. Mike was a voracious reader and student of many topics, especially history, politics and medicine, and he enjoyed conversing with others. Mike was an expert golfer, and golf was a fundamental part of his social and professional life until his disabilities. Mike is survived by his wife, Janet K. Smith of Traverse City, Michigan, his brother, Matt Kitto of Ishpeming, MI, his daughter, Joanna (Mike Ambroziak) Kitto, of Arvada, Colorado, his son, Michael J. Kitto, Jr., of Shelby Township, MI, his step-daughter, Lisa (Kyle) Salo of Suwanee, Georgia, and his step-daughter Robin (Scott) Hugen, of Rochester Hills, MI, as well as by numerous grandchildren who loved him: Gabrielle, Alexander and Dominic Kitto, Emma, Nicholas and Christopher Ambroziak, Cooper and Isabella Salo, and Greta and Murphy Hugen. A service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming at 4:00 p.m. on August 29, 2014, with family visitation prior to that time between 3-4 p.m. A reception will occur for family and friends after the service at the nearby Veterans of Foreign Wars. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 380, 173 U.S. 41 East, Negaunee, Michigan 49866.
Events
There are no events for Michael yet.
Photos
No photos of Michael have been shared yet.
Memories
KS
Kris Erik Stevens
Other •
4 files added to the tribute wall
DB
Don Bugenhagen
Other •
Jan,
Lots of fine memories with Mike. He was a hellava golfer and we enjoyed many rounds of golf together. He was also deeply involved with family and I would always see him at a variety of school events. He will be missed and best wishes to you during this tough time.
Don Bugenhaen
KT
Kristin Tekiele
Other •
Jan, Robin, Lisa, and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. While I haven't seen him in a while, I do remember our high school days and many nights spent at your big white house on St. Joe St. He was always very kind and patient with us. My thoughts are with you and hope you can find comfort knowing he is at peace.
Best,
Kristin Tekiele & Family
TH
The Rev. Dr. Gary and Pat Hamp
Other •
Jan and family, Gary and I are so sad about Mike Passing. We are glad he is finally found peace with his pain. Mike was a great person and always so fun and a great story teller. We will miss him in Traverse City, but he will always be with us. Blessing and Prayers are with the family. Love Always, Pat and Gary
DM
Deb Markwith
Other •
Jo, we were thrilled to be able to meet your dad several times during our years of friendship. I especially enjoyed my long conversation with him last winter at the Ugly Sweater Christmas party. We continue to pray for God's peace and are here for you and your family during this very difficult time.
-the Markwith family
C
carrieann
Other •
What a lovely obituary jo. So sorry we couldn't be with you to celebrate his life! Sending hugs. CarrieAnn