George Lewis Kitley, of Munith, MI, passed away November 24, 2020, surrounded by his loved ones at home. He was born on March 12, 1939, son of Kenneth and Shirley (Brown) Kitley (both deceased). In April 1961, he married the love of his life, Janice Hale, who survives him.
George served in the United States Air Force for four years, and learned the printing trade. He retired from the Jackson Citizen Patriot after a long career as a press maintenance foreman.
George enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada with his buddies, Larry Williams, Harold Porath, Fred Scott, and Louie Prus, where he was deemed the official cook and bottle washer, and “the big one” never got away! He knew and appreciated everyone up and down his road, and he enjoyed many vegetables from the garden of his lifelong friend, Bill Hoffman. George spent long hours in the woodshop with Larry Williams, who was like a brother to him. They turned out beautiful pieces for the family and for spoiled pets, as well. He was skilled with his hands and quick with his wit. Broken became whole with most everything except his chainsaw—which taunted him every year when it was time to cut down the family Christmas tree. His claim to fame, though, was his family, whom he crafted with love and polished with cherished traditions. Family vacations to Indian Lake in the Upper Peninsula every summer for over 30 years were looked forward to and enjoyed far more than seems possible. His family came first, and they were surrounded and supported, always, with happiness and care. Even those who weren’t blood were made to feel like family at his table. A gifted cook, George ensured no one ever went hungry.
In addition to his wife, Janice, he is survived by The Three “Mouth”kateers (his daughters), Karla Kowalec, Cheryl Bayerl, and Cindy (Doug) Lance, and his sons, Ken (Tracy) Kitley and Doug Lance; grandchildren, Jessica (Chad) Carr, Kenneth (Lisa) Kitley, Sam (Kait) Bayerl, Cassie (Josh) Watson, Georgia Bayerl, Barb (Misti) Lance, Natalie Kowalec, Dalton Kitley, and Isaac Lance; great-grandchildren, Layton Carr, Brady Carr, and Ezra Watson; baby sister, Janet (Ed) Senyko, and sister, Connie (Dewayne) Kitley; and many nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his dear sister, Barbara Smith, his big brother, Dewayne “Bud” Kitley, and Willie B., the best damned dog ever. Family first, family always. Forever in our hearts, forever in our thoughts, and forever in our laughter.
No services are being planned at this time due to health and safety precautions. A gathering is being planned for May 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in George’s name to the Cascades Humane Society. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
