Philip Joseph 'Phil' Kitzman

OMA, Wis. - Philip Joseph "Phil" Kitzman, 78, of U.S. 51, Oma, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, Dec. 29, 2016 at home with his family by his side. He was born Oct. 2, 1938 in Faribault, Minn., the son of the late Joseph and Susan (Maas) Kitzman.

Phil attended Austin Schools and graduated from Pacelli High School with the Class of 1956. On Sept. 6, 1958 he married his soul mate and love of his life, Therese Pieper at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Rose Creek, Minn. They had just celebrated 58 years of marriage.

Phil was employed at the Kelly Furniture Company in Austin, Minn. He opened his own bike shop and then owned and operated "Phil's Cycle & Marine." Moving to the area in 1968, he resided in Hurley, Gile, and eventually settled in Oma. He was employed as a mechanic at Ave's Sports Center until 1981. Phil then opened "This Old House Antiques" in Hurley until it was destroyed by a fire on Dec. 22, 1988. He then moved his business to Oma where he owned and operated "Kitzman's Woodland Antiques." Phil and his wife, Therese, traveled extensively to Holland, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, France and Mexico, where they would purchase containers of antiques. Their last trip was during 9/11.

In his youth, he enjoyed trapping, hunting and fishing. Phil locally bred and raised Paint and Quarter horses. He and Therese traveled the 4-H show circuit and state horse shows. Phil was president of the Snowbelt Horseman Association.

Phil enjoyed racing snowmobiles. He was president of the Gile Flowage Snowmobile Club for many years. He also enjoyed refinishing furniture and in his later years, wood burning. Phil was very artistic, had a vision, and was a fine master craftsman. It was said, "He had sawdust in his veins," his grandfather was a cabinet maker, and Phil even designed his own cremation urn. He was a very grateful, kind and appreciative man and his family will miss him dearly.

Phil is survived by his wife, Therese; five children, Joseph (Kum) Kitzman of Tampa, Fla., Mary (Richard) Koski of Kimball, Wis., Julie (Gary) Miles of Gile Flowage, Jim (Deb) Kitzman of Stevens Point, Wis., and Tammy Roberson of Hurley; 12 grandchildren, Keith, Jamie, Julie, Ashley, Garison, Cassy, Amanda, Theresa, Sara, Cole, Kayla, and Timothy; 7 great-grandchildren, Jayda, Keegan, Emma, Easton, Kyla, Allison, and Jannah; his sister, Karen (Ed) Peterson; his brothers, David (Karen) Kitzman, Michael (Joey) Kitzman, Brian (Irene) Kitzman, Tom (Sue) Kitzman, Mark (Sandy) Kitzman, and John Kitzman.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Kenny and James.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley. Father Frank Kordek OFM will be the celebrant. A luncheon will follow. Phil's family will receive relatives and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church on Tuesday. Spring Inurnment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Hurley.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Regional Hospice or St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley.

Special thanks to Regional Hospice Staff, especially Paula Bertini; and Fr. Frank Kordek.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Hurley and Ironwood is assisting the family. To make a condolence and view the obituary online, visit us at rangefuneralservices.com.