Emelia V. Kittel

Emelia V. Kittel, 87, of Lawrence, formerly of St. John, Kansas, died on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at Homestead of Eudora Assisted Living Facility in Eudora, Kansas. She was born on January 31, 1935, in St. John, Kansas, the daughter of John S. and Ruth (Rellez) Muci. She graduated from St. John High School in 1952 and obtained her nursing license after attending the St. Rose School of Nursing in Great Bend, Kansas. In the 1960s and ‘70s she was employed in the clinical practices of Dr. Louis Graves and Dr. R. P. Quackenbush in St. John. Subsequently, she was employed as the administrative assistant to the superintendent of schools at USD 350 in St. John.

Emelia was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Norman D. Kittel, who died on December 25, 2021. They were married in Great Bend, Kansas on March 2, 1956. Survivors include a son, Rick Kittel (Peggy) of Lawrence, Kansas, and a grandson, James Kittel of Brooklyn, New York, who was his grandparents’ pride and joy. Other survivors include brothers, C.F. Muci (Marlene) and J.R. Muci (Rhita) all of Wichita, Kansas, and John B. Muci (Jeannene) of Hutchinson, Kansas; sister-in-law Helen Muci of La Habra, California; and best friend Jane Bennington of St. John. Emelia was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Stan Muci; sisters Elvira Peters, Ruth E. Muci, and Raquel Patrick; and brother-in-law Jerry Patrick.

The family wishes to recognize the care given to Emelia by Dr. Eric Huerter and his staff, the nursing team in the memory care center at Homestead of Eudora, and the professionals of Ascend Hospice. Thank you.

In recent years Norman lovingly served as Emelia’s primary caregiver as her health declined. In recognition of Norman’s devotion to Emelia, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association and be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 West 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044.

A memorial service will be held in St. John, Kansas at a later date.