Gary C. Kitchner
Gary C. Kitchner, age 79 of Durand, formerly of Arkansaw, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at his home in Durand.
Gary was born on November 3, 1937 in Menomonie. He was the son of Kenneth and Erma (Reitz) Kitchner. Gary grew up in the Elmwood area and attended Elmwood High School. After high school, Gary was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War until being Honorably Discharged. Upon returning home Gary worked for Sweeny Brothers and Timme Construction for over 30 years. Gary married Eileen Luther on July 23, 1966 in Elmwood. After marriage they bought a farm and raised their family in Arkansaw. In later years, Gary worked for various agricultural businesses in the area including Durand Stockyards, Jerry Baier & Sons and Countryside Agronomy. In 2000, Gary and Eileen retired from farming and moved into the City of Durand, where he remained the rest of his life.
Gary enjoyed his children and especially his grandchildren. He loved taking them fishing, hunting and calling them on the phone to see how their day was going. Gary also enjoyed talking with farmers in the area while out making his deliveries. He also liked bowling, playing cards and going out for rides in his truck.
Gary will be sadly missed by many loving family and friends.
Gary is survived by his children; Terry (Angie), Troy, Tony (Karin), all of Arkansaw, grandchildren; Tanya, Eric (Tessa), Shadow (special friend; Dayna), Hailey, Jalen, Jacie, Austin and Brooke, two great grandsons; Sean and Beckham, two sisters; Wilhelmina (Dennis) Traun of Durand and Kayleen (Kenneth) Noll of Durand, Bruce (Juel) of Eau Galle, James (Linda) of Baldwin and Gregory (Marlene) of Menomonie, three brothers-in-law; Dick Hartung of Dresser, John Winter of Rock Falls and Craig Flanders of Spring Valley, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife; Eileen, one daughter Tammy Jo Unser and three sisters; Joann Hartung, Mary Winter and Debra Flanders.
Prayer Services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arkansaw with Rev. Joseph Okine-Quartey officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Durand American Legion Post #181 of Durand. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.