Clayton A. Kittel followed his guardian angel home June 11, 2020, at the age of 97.

He was born May 13, 1923, in Nickerson, the son of Bernard and Martha (Thieling) Kittel.

Clayton served his country with honor in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked at the Conoco refinery in Wrenshall and as superintendent at Maple Grove Cemetery for many years. Clayton was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Scanlon and served in the Scanlon volunteer fire department for many years.

Clayton had many hobbies. He loved the outdoors, spending time hunting his land in Holyoke and gardening in his backyard while enjoying watching the wildlife. A simple tomato plant could bring him such joy. Clayton was known as a kind and quiet, yet strong and generous, man. He worked into his 80s and continued to help neighbors and friends into his 90s.

Clayton was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Elaine; second wife, Diane; brothers, Edwin and Eldon Kittel; and sisters, Audrey Roach and Florence Nelson.

He is survived by his children, Gina Kittel and Joseph Kittel; stepson, Derrick Mandoza; grandsons, Justin and Patrick Kittel; great-grandson, Taylor Kittel; and great-granddaughter, Everly Kittel.

Celebration of Life: 3-4 p.m. Friday, June 19 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet, followed by the 4 p.m. inurnment service at Maple Grove Cemetery, with Military Honors accorded by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Disabled American Veterans are preferred. See the family online guest book at http://www.nelsonfuneralcare.net.

Pine Knot News June 19, 2020

Go to PineKnotNews.com for a story about Clayton that ran in November of 2018.