Date of Birth:
Tuesday, August 23, 1927
Date of Death:
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Age:
97 years old

Janet “Jan” Kittley

Janet M. Kittley, 97, of Kasson, formerly of Rochester, MN, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at The Mayo Clinic Methodist Campus.

Janet (Jan) was born on August 23, 1927, in Rochester, NY, to Melville and Helen (Stein) Mackay. After graduating from Clinton High School in Clinton, NY, she attended McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and studied shorthand at Central City Business Institute in Syracuse, NY. In the late 1940’s, Jan moved to Rochester, MN, where she worked as a secretary for Dr. M.S. Henderson in the orthopedic section of The Mayo Clinic.

On September 9, 1950, Jan married William (Bill) Kittley in Rochester, MN. The couple had two daughters, Beth and Susan. Jan worked as the office manager at the Civic League Day Nursery for 22 years before retiring, giving her and Bill more time to travel.

Jan had many interests. She loved to read, especially mysteries and westerns, and was an avid crossword puzzle solver. She enjoyed playing Bridge, Farkle, and Bingo. Jan and Bill traveled extensively, including month-long trips to Hawaii, Spain, and many road trips in the U.S. She had a deep appreciation for nature, enjoying the wildlife around the 33-acre home they built together. A fan of outdoor activities, she loved biking along the Douglas Trail, golfing, and attending grandchildren’s sporting activities.

Her family and friends knew her as strong-willed and feisty. She was never short of an amusing comment, and shared her witty sense of humor with everyone throughout her life. Jan found joy in meeting new people and learning new things. She considered herself a lifelong learner and enjoyed taking creative writing classes as an adult. Her attention to detail was always evident.

She is survived by her daughters, Beth (Wayne) Fieck and Susan (Alan) Utesch; three grandchildren, Kelly (Jon Wright) Utesch, Adam (Daryna Bulakovska) Utesch and Colin Fieck; three great-grandchildren, including Tanner Weifenbach; and nephews and nieces, Jeff, Mel, Jack, Robin, Debra and Sandra. Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Melville and Helen; her sister, Joan Brown; and her brother, Melville Mackay II.

A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at a later date.