Bradley James Kitzmann, 56, of Leeds, ND passed away Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Funeral Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at the Leeds Lutheran Church with Pastor Sharon Baker officiating. Visitation was from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, at the Leeds Lutheran Church. Burial will be held at the Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family: P.O. Box 245 Leeds, ND 58346.
Bradley James Kitzmann was born May 31, 1968, to James and Gloria (Engelter) Kitzmann in Bismarck, ND. He grew up on the family farm by New Salem, ND, where he was educated. Brad was active in football, wrestling, and FFA while attending school, graduating from New Salem High School with the class of 1986. He enlisted in the United States Army from 1986-1990 and joined the United States National Guard from 1990 until 2019. Brad received the Purple Heart Medal in 2004, after being injured while serving in Iraq.
Brad furthered his education at Dickinson State University in 1995, where he received degrees in Composite Social Science and Physical Education. He met the love of his life, Leaha Schmidt, at Dickinson State in History class. The couple was united in marriage on June 30, 1995, in New Sale,m and together raised two children, Clay and Keira.
With the military being Brad’s main profession, he started his teaching career in Elgin, ND and New Leipzig, ND, teaching Junior High History and coaching numerous sports. After moving his family to Leeds, he began working full-time National Guard at Camp Grafton. Upon retiring from the National Guard, Brad taught Health and Physical Education as well as coaching football at the Leeds High School. Brad was also a member of the Leeds Ambulance, Leeds Park Board, and Leeds Lutheran Church.
Brad is survived by his wife of 29 years, Leaha; son, Clay (Alisza) Kitzmann; daughter, Keira Kitzmann; mother, Gloria; brother, Brian Kitzmann; step-mother, JoAnn; step-sisters, Greta (Rob) Knoll and Rebecca (Laprell) Jackson; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, James E. ‘Jim’ Kitzmann.
Online condolences may be left at www.thenelsonfuneralhome.com
