Theodore “Ted” Kittleson left this world behind Wednesday morning, April 20, 2022, at the home of his daughter in Fairmont, Minn. God has given him wings to fly like he always dreamed of. Visitation for Ted will be from 4:30-7 p.m. Sunday, April 24, 2022, at the Kramer Family Funeral Home in Trimont, Minn., and one hour prior to the service Monday at the church. Please share a memory of Ted with his family by signing his online guestbook or watch his video tribute or the recorded service on his obituary page at www.kramerfuneralhome.

Theodore “Ted” Roosevelt Kittleson was born at the home of his parents in Lake Belt Township, Martin County, Minn., on Aug. 29, 1920, and died at his home in Fairmont, Minn., on April 20, 2022, at the age of 101 years, 7 months and 22 days. Ted was one of 12 children and the fourth of six sons, born to Gilbert and Anna (Poppe) Kittleson. He grew up working on the family farm and attended country school, graduating from 8th grade. Greatly influenced by Western music on the radio, especially Wilf Carter, Ted taught himself to yodel, and bought his first guitar when he was 17. Ted met the love of his life, Opal Marie Morgan, while working for his older brother, Herbert. Ted and Opal were married Dec. 31, 1946, and celebrated more than 75 years of marriage. They farmed in Fox Lake and Lake Belt townships, raising crops, cattle, a few chickens, and 8 children. Ted sang with Millie and the Saddle Pals on the radio at local festivals, and he continued singing all his life, providing entertainment for residents of assisted living and nursing homes until he was more than 100 years old. He built tractors, trailers, a tent camper, a folding stage, and two bridges. He fashioned horseshoe sculptures and restored windmills. To promote local history, he helped found Heritage Acres in Fairmont, devoting much time and effort to that farm site, while organizing musical and harvest festivals. He took great pleasure in his large family and especially liked to share music. A modest, generous, kindly man, Ted left a lasting legacy for us to cherish. Ted is survived by his children, Barbara (Gary) Schmidt, Bob (Mary) Kittleson, Billye Jane Kruse, Betty (Tom) Egan, BonnieSue Bennett, Cindy Bee Nelson, Bryon (Kristy) Kittleson, Biny Lou (Jim) Claussen; 23 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren; siblings, Norman (Penny) Kittleson, Evangeline Barber, and Esther O’Sell; sister-in-law, Shirley Kittleson; along with many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Opal; his parents; brothers, Herbert (Fairy), Enoch (Margaret), Truman (Millie), and Gilbert; sisters, Frances, Fern, Nina, Ann (Jim) Scholl; brothers-in-law, Wayne Barber and Jon O’Sell; sons-in-law, David Nelson, Dan Bennett, and Joel Kruse. In lieu of flowers, Ted’s family prefers memorial to: Heritage Acres, in care of: 143 Linden Dr., Fairmont, MN 56031. Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.

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