Leona Eleanor Kittell

Leona was born on January 27, 1932 in Mosinee, WI, the daughter of Albert and Elizabeth (Cwiklik) Grochmal.

She attended grade school in Peplin and then attended Mosinee High School, graduating in 1949.

She was married to Frederick Kittell on November 26, 1953 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mosinee after Fred returned home from the Air Force during the Korean War.  Together, they celebrated 51 years of marriage.  Fred died on May 1, 2005.

Leona worked in the insurance field throughout her career, starting with the J.N. Manson Agency in Wausau, WI in 1950.  They relocated to Chicago where she worked at Fireman’s Fund Insurance.  Their daughter Kathleen was born in Chicago.  From Chicago, they moved back to Wisconsin and located in DePere, where Fred attended St. Norbert College after finishing his military service.  There she was employed by The Prudential Insurance Company, both in Green Bay and Madison.  They lived in Madison for several years.  They then moved to Mineral Point where Fred taught at Mineral Point High School.  They moved to Waukesha in 1964 where Fred taught at Catholic Memorial High School.  In Waukesha, she worked for Haverstick Croy Insurance Agency, and after several mergers Wisconsin Insurance Management.  She retired in 1997.

After retiring, Leona did volunteer work for various social service organizations including Waukesha County Social Services, Catholic Memorial High School, and St. Mary’s Parish as well as Interfaith Caregivers Network.

Fred and Leona enjoyed running and took part in various charity runs.  They also both enjoyed traveling, especially trips to Ireland with family and friends.  They also traveled to Alaska, Canada, and Arizona.  At home, they enjoyed going to Brewer’s games and the various ethnic festivals in Milwaukee with family and friends, Irish Fest being a perpetual favorite.

After Fred’s death, she moved from Waukesha back to her home town of Mosinee in order to be closer to her immediate family.  She was very grateful for Stephanie’s help in Waukesha as well as everyone that helped her through the move and her life transition afterwards.

Her hobbies included growing flowers, reading, music, and their pet Shelties.

Survivors include her sister Betty Romatowski, her daughter’s husband Bruce Bethke, and many nieces and nephews.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Frederick, her daughter Kathleen Bethke (Kittell), her two brothers, Stanley and Felix Grochmal, sisters Sophie Lesniak, Stephanie Opyd, Helen Gorski, and Lottie Bielen.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee.  The Rev. Aaron Becker will officiate.  Burial will take place at St. Paul Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church.  Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be given at www.bestefh.com.