NEW ULM–Peter J. Kitzberger of rural New Ulm, MN, took his last breath, in hospice, at Bayside Manor in Gaylord, MN, on Saturday, October 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Peter had been diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in 2018, about the same time he decided to retire from his job of 16 years in the carpentry shop of the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center. Peter had been on home-oxygen for most of the time since the diagnosis and his condition gradually worsened, until he had to be admitted to the New Ulm Medical Center ICU on October 2nd of this year and was transferred to hospice-care shortly after, where he earned his “Wings of Transformation” at his “end of life” stage and crossed-over peacefully.

Peter was born in New Ulm on April 29, 1950, to Dr. Peter and Marcia (Stemmer) Kitzberger. He graduated from Cathedral High School in New Ulm in 1968, attended the College of St. Thomas, and later earned a degree in carpentry from San Diego City College.

During those formative years, Peter developed his musical tastes and talents by putting a band together called the ‘Fabulous Depressions’. They were a classic garage band, practicing in Doc and Marcia’s garage and down in the basement recreation room. The Depressions played all the ballrooms then popular in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, and many other venues such as high school proms and small-town street dances. They even cut a 45-rpm record: A-side, Just Can’t Tell You, B-side, One by One–it can be found on YouTube. Peter played the Vox Organ, guitar, harmonica, and sang. In 1965, his dad escorted him, his brothers, and a couple friends to the Beatles concert (tickets were $3.50 each) at Metropolitan Stadium, which was the start of a long list of concert-goings.

Also during those years, Peter developed a political and social consciousness that led him to become active in trade unions, social and economic justice issues, non-violent peace demonstrations and anti-war protests. His union memberships included: The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); Musicians Union; Minnesota Farmers Union; always holding various positions such as board member, treasurer, secretary, volunteer. Peter was a life-long small-d and big-D Democrat: He was Chair of the Nicollet County DFL for many years, always ready to volunteer for door-knocking, literature drops, lawn signs (putting up, taking down, and storing), walking in parades, and for building the Nicollet County Fair DFL booth for many years. Peter also ran for State Representative from District 23B in 1986, and also served on the board of directors of CADA for a time and volunteered his time and skills when they were remodeling their facilities. Peter was also a volunteer for Tim Walz from the beginning of his candidacies for public offices and helped move or remodel the Walz Campaign and DFL headquarters from time to time. He was pleased to be able to cast an absentee ballot (brought to his bedside by Rita) for the Harris/Walz ticket before “his ride came.” And when Rita asked him if he loves her, he replied, “You bet your sweet a**, I do!”

Peter married Linda Theis of New Ulm and they lived and worked in San Diego, CA, for a few years, where their child, Amissa Zaleya, was born. Peter and Linda later divorced.

Peter and Rita Foley were married in New Ulm on June 14, 1991. They had one child, Alex.

Surviving Peter: Rita (Foley) Kitzberger, spouse; Amissa (Doug) Dahl, Alex (Laura) Kitzberger, children; Kya Bommersbach, grandchild; Franz Kitzberger, brother; Maria (Mike) Jacobson, sister; Martha Kitzberger, sister; Andrea K. Stelljes, sister; Joel Dahlgren, brother-in-law; Andrew Kitzberger, Dan (Kara) Kitzberger, Aaron (Lauren) Stelljes, nephews; Joe Fellegy, Steve Fellegy, Anna Marie Fellegy, cousins; Luke Stemmer, Gretchen Stemmer, cousins. Theresa Westrup, Jim (Sharon) Foley, Bill (JoAnn) Foley, Pat (Kath) Foley, Mary Foley, Joe Foley, Dan (Jan) Foley, Monica (Roger) Fleegel, Tom (Michelle) Foley, brothers-and-sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews on the Foley side.

Preceding Peter: Dr. Peter and Marcia (Stemmer) Kitzberger, parents; Paul Kitzberger, brother; Rhonda Dahlgren, sister-in-law; Brian Bommersbach, son-in-law; Sam Jacobson, nephew; Reed Stelljes, brother-in-law; Bob and Edith Foley, father-and-mother-in-law; and Dave Westrup, brother-in-law.

It has been observed that Peter’s biggest passion was his family and the time he spent with them.

There will be a private burial of Peter’s ashes in the New Ulm City Cemetery.

Requiescat In Pace, Peter.

Please keep him and his family in your hearts for a while.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]