Art Kitzmann

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Art Kitzmann, beloved husband, father and friend at the age of 78. Art lost his short tragic battle with cancer at the Prairie Lake Hospice on April 19 with his son and best friend Warren at his side.

Art was born to Ferdynand and Martha Kitzmann on the family homestead north of Hines Creek on August 7, 1945, along with his twin brother Rudolf. Unfortunately, Rudolf was unwell at birth and Martha, Art and Rudolf were transported to the hospital in Fairview for care where Rudolf passed. This left Art as the youngest son and the third youngest child of 13.

Growing up on the farm was difficult, but this gave Art the strong work ethic and moral compass that would serve him well throughout his life. Leaving school at age 15, Art worked for Dave Shaw and then moved on to work in the oilfield where some of his older brothers had found work. Art was always willing to help others, even if this meant working late into the night to help the mechanic fix broken Nodwells and then getting up at 6 AM the next morning to work his own shift. Art worked year round, including at the company's shop in Calgary during the summer. It was in the summer of 1972 that Art was introduced to his future wife Sheila by his best friend Ronnie Houle who was dating Sheila's sister at the time.

Art and Sheila were married April 2, 1973, and they started the family farm together. On May 16, 1975, Art and Sheila welcomed a son, Warren, to their family. To support his family and the farm, Art continued to work in the oilfield in the winter months (late October to late March/early April of the following year) with a short break at Christmas to spend time with his family. For Art, his family was always everything and he continued to work hard to provide for them and their future, growing the farm and his career in the oilfield. His family also grew, as three grandchildren were born to Warren and his wife Kelly from 2004 to 2008. Art loved his grandchildren, and he cherished every moment he could spend with them.

Art loved nature, and his favourite part of the day was the morning when the air was clear and fresh, the sunrise was beautiful, and he could listen to the birds and other sounds of nature.

His last wish when he was diagnosed with cancer was that he could see his tulips bloom before he was called home to the Lord. He may not have seen them here, but he will see them in the better place he has moved on to.

Art is survived by Sheila (spouse), Warren (son) and Kelly (spouse) and their children Duncan, Oliver and Grace, his siblings, Otto, Marguerite, Lena, and Lorraine.

Art was pre-deceased by his parents Ferdynand and Martha Kitzmann, brothers Rudolf, Edward, Albert, Eric, Walter, Sisters Hertha, Erna, Lydia, and Olga.

The family welcomes Art’s friends to come and honor his memory at the graveside service being held May 1, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Peace Grove Lutheran Cemetery. With a time of fellowship and luncheon to follow 12:00 pm at the Hines Creek Seniors Drop-In Centre.                  

Memorial donations in Art’s honor can be made to a charity of their choice.

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home Fairview, AB     

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