Dorothy Ione Kittleson

Dorothy Ione Kittleson passed from this life on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar, Iowa, at the age of 103. Dorothy Dockum Kittleson was born in Austin, Minnesota, on May 28, 1921, to Ernest and Ruby Graves Dockum. When Dorothy was three years old, her mother was killed in a tragic accident after which she and her family went to live at the home of her grandmother near Meltonville, Iowa. Dorothy attended schools in Meltonville and Otranto. In 1943, she graduated from Hamilton School of Business in Mason City, Iowa. After two years working at International Harvester Company in Mason City, she moved to Los Angeles, California, with her sister, Jeannette, where they worked for Todd Shipyards.

In 1945, Dorothy was united in marriage to Glenn Kittleson. After his service in World War II, they remained in Los Angeles, where she was employed by Arco Paint Company. Their daughter, Rita, was born there, and when she was 16 months old, they returned to Iowa to farm. Their son, Lowell, was born in Osage. In 1979, Dorothy moved to Osage. She taught piano and organ lessons in her home for over 20 years and was a church organist.

Dorothy is survived by her two children, Rita (David) Nelson of Port Washington, Wisconsin, and Lowell (Karen) Kittleson of Osage, Iowa; sister, Jeannette Kittleson of Portland, Oregon. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Aaron Nelson, Noelle Nelson, Zachary Nelson, Ryan Kittleson and Lauryn Muller; nine great-grandchildren, Gianna, Bryleigh and Jax Kittleson, Cayl and Syenna Muller, Zaida and Soren Nelson and Federico and Diego Nelson.

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Good Samaritan Center and Dr. Nasstrom and the staff at MCRHC for their thoughtful care for Dorothy.

Services for Dorothy are pending at this time and will be held at a later date.

Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements.