Vernon Anthony Kitzberger, age 90 of New Ulm passed away Monday, April 3, 2023, at the New Ulm Medical Center in New Ulm.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 am on Monday, April 10, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Searles.  Father Jerry Meidl will celebrate the Mass, and burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery where full military honors will be provided by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Sunday, April 9 ^th and continue from 9-10:30 on Monday at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-North Chapel in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Vernon is survived by his children; Vernon J. (Pam) Kitzberger, Sandra (Fred) Gareis, Rich (Holly) Kitzberger, Julie (Jeff) Lilleodden, Ellen (Randy) Preisinger, Kathy (Scott) Hulke, daughter-in-law Kathy (Rick) Rathmann; grandchildren; Rachel (Justin) Hansen, Matt Kitzberger, Jenny (Scott) Kral, Justin Kitzberger (Kelsey Joines), Rachelle (Luke) Cihak, Molly (Zach) Kaiser, Jill Gareis, Andy (Shelly) Kitzberger, Scott Kitzberger, Jaime (Tim) Zander, Jacob Lilleodden, Kelsey Preisinger, Sarah Preisinger (Cooper Yackley), Leah Preisinger, Megan Hulke (Willie Osborne) and Travis Hulke  and 11 great grandchildren. Sisters Lois (Jerry) Murphy and Joann (Larry) Elwood, brother Melvin (Diane) Kitzberger, sister-in-law Anna Stevenson and many nieces and nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his wife Marlys, his son Jeff Kitzberger, a son in infancy, grandson Jesse Kitzberger, his parents, his mother and father-in-law Irenaeus "Sam" and Lucy (Zins) Reinhart, sister Arlene Clyne, brother Duane Kitzberger, brothers-in-law Kenneth and Ronald Reinhart, sisters-in-law Irene Kitzberger and Arlene Kitzberger, and nephew Steve Kitzberger.

Vernon A. Kitzberger was born September 2, 1932 to William and Cecelia (Petersen) Kitzberger. He attended school in Searles and New Ulm, graduating in 1950. Growing up, he was active in 4-H and in FFA, earning the State Farmer degree.   He showed his cattle at many local and state shows.  On October 2, 1954, Vernon was united in marriage to Marlys Reinhart at St. John's Catholic Church in Searles.  In 1955, Vernon entered the Army and served his country until 1957. Vernon then spent the rest of his life farming on the family farm where he and Marlys raised their seven children. Farming was his life.  Vernon served on various boards throughout his life, including the Essig Co-op, and Brown County A.S.C.S., He was a Cottonwood Township Supervisor and a supporter of Searles baseball. He was also an active member of St. John's Catholic Church.  Vernon loved to go to auctions, play bingo, listen to old time music and do jigsaw puzzles.  He and Marlys loved to play cards, go to dances, do a little traveling and watch their children and grandchildren participate in various sports and activities throughout the years, and there were many!  Vernon especially loved it when the great grandkids would come for a visit.  The smile on his face was priceless.

Vernon's family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Ridgeway on German for the wonderful care they have shown. The transition of getting a farmer off the farm to live in town was made a little easier with their help.