Obit: Richard Anthony Kitsch

Richard Anthony Kitsch, 82, of Grover Beach, Calif. and formerly of Webster, N.D., passed away Saturday, January 26,  2013 in Bakersfield, Calif. where he had been a resident for the past two years.

A memorial Mass was held on Friday, February 1 at St. Francis Church in Bakersfield.

Richard served his country in the Coast Guard from 1949 to 1952. He had a career in electronics and retired from the County of Kern in 1984 as a Senior Traffic Signal Technician.

As a retiree, Richard ran a small popcorn business for over 20 years at the Nipomo Swap Meet. His greatest love was being a father and volunteering his time, especially at the Oceano/Five Cities Elks Lodge 2504  where he served as Exalted Ruler 1994-1995. He had been involved in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts with all three of his sons.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Ellen Ramirez (Al); sons, Sam Kitsch (Dawn) Karl Kitsch (Deborah) and Andy Kitsch (Kim); brother, Donovan Kitsch; eight grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 19 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cecilia; parents, Leonard and Ellen Kitsch;  stepk-mother, Lucy Kitsch; sister, Delores Nipp.

The family would like to thank Dr. William F. Baker, Jr. and staff; Hoffman Hospice staff; and Glenwood Gardens Assisted Living and Dementia Care Staff whom lovingly cared for Richard as he lived with Alzheimer’s disease over the past two years.