Ross B. Kittleman of Grand Haven, MI, went to be with the Lord he loved on July 22, 2019 at the age of 78. He was born October 6, 1940, in Cadillac, MI, to the late Oscar and Junetta (Brehm) Kittleman. Ross married Mary Linda Shaw on July 8, 1972.
Ross’ life was marked by dedicated, distinguished, and loyal service to all he encountered. After graduating from Michigan Technological University in 1963 with a degree in civil engineering, he began a 38-year career serving his country in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with 34 years as the Area Engineer for the western half of Michigan and his beloved Grand Haven community. He was instrumental in partnering with that community in the planning, construction, and completion of what is now known as the Grand Haven Boardwalk. During his tenure, he especially cherished helping others as part of natural disaster clean-up efforts, including the Fort Wayne floods of 1982, for which he received the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award, and Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
Ross’ service extended through volunteer efforts with St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Boy Scouts of America, Shore Acres Association, and numerous other organizations. But most importantly, Ross faithfully and sacrificially served his family; sharing his Faith, passing up promotions so they could remain in Grand Haven, and devotedly caring for his elderly mother, his aunt, Adah Frank, and mother-in-law, Betty Shaw, until their deaths.
Ross will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 47 years, Mary Linda; two sons, Evan (Heather) and Josh (Sarah); five grandchildren: Ethan, Asher, Jensen, Jonah, and Paige; sisters, Betty and Charlene; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, June; and his brother, Paul.
A Memorial Service for Ross will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at St. John's Lutheran Church with Pastor Kurt Wenzelburger officiating. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 9th at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, and one hour prior to Saturday's service at the Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Hospice of North Ottawa Community.
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