Dean James Kitto

MADISON, Wis. - Dean James Kitto, 71, of Bessemer, Mich., went to be with our Lord and Savior on November 30, 2016 in Madison, Wis. with his loving family by his side.

He was born on June 21, 1945, in Bessemer, son of the late Earl Kitto and Mary (Filippini) Kitto. He attended AD Johnston (Bessemer) High School, graduating in 1963. He then decided to join the Air Force in 1963 and received an honor discharge in September of 1969. During his time in the Air Force, Dean monitored, processed, and analyzed intelligence information associated with Soviet and North Vietnamese weapons systems. The resulting intelligence was instrumental in saving the lives of Air Force pilots during the Vietnam War. He was one of the many, many heroes of the Cold War. Upon leaving the Air Force, Dean worked at the National Security Agency for several years where he continued to apply his skills and knowledge to process and analyze intelligence information with regard to the development and capabilities of Soviet weapons systems. He was also employed at the Gogebic County Courthouse and was a self-employed carpenter until retirement. He passed his love for carpentry on to his sons and was always willing to help with any projects they had for him.

He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Ann Kitto, on December 29, 1972 in Maryland. Once his children were born Dean decided the city was no place to raise a family and moved back to his hometown of Bessemer.

He enjoyed playing guitar and his greatest honor was being able to play in a band with his sons. He met many people while sharing his love for music and played with many of the area musicians. Besides teaching his son and grandson guitar, he also gave guitar lessons. Dean and Mary Ann loved providing musical entertainment in the local nursing homes and churches. He enjoyed camping with his family at Marion Lake and made many great memories that they will cherish forever. One of his favorite places to spend time was at the Kitto's Top of the Rock Camp with his family, where a special memorial will be made in remembrance of him.

He was very proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments, and attended all their school activities to cheer them on. Most people that knew him referred to him as "Pops." Pops was not only a husband, father and grandfather he was also a best friend to his wife, children and grandchildren.

Surviving Kitto are his wife of 44 years the love of his life Mary Ann Kitto; two sons, Dean (Suzy) Kitto, of Ironwood, and Shawn (Linda) Kitto, of Bessemer; three step-sons Tim Bodnar, Tom Bodnar, and Ted Bodnar; his brother Roland (Jan) Kitto; grand children, Bradley and Kelsey Kitto, of Bessemer, Michael and Bryce Kitto and Kyra Anys of Ironwood, and numerous nieces and nephews, and close special friends. Also his "little buddy" furry friend, Max.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Mary Kitto.

Out of respect for Dean's wishes, cremation has taken place at the Range Crematory in Hurley and there will be no funeral services.

A celebration of Dean's life will be held at a later date with Dean's family and friends.

Arrangements are by Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home, of Bessemer. To send online condolences, visit us at rangefuneralservices.com