Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Kittok named 2019 Delano Citizen of the Year



DELANO, MN – Joe Kittok is being recognized as a longtime volunteer in and around Delano, as the General Federated Women’s Club of Delano has named him the 2019 Delano Citizen of the Year.

He will be formally recognized at the GFWC Citizen of the Year Banquet in March.

An additional story will appear in the Delano Herald Journal in advance of the banquet.

Kittok, a lifelong Delano resident, served in the US Army from 1966 to 1970.

He has been a member of the Delano Sportsmen’s Club since 1970. There, he has served in a variety of leadership positions, including president, and currently as treasurer, dating back to 2007.

“When a project is started, Joe is involved by sharing his expertise, machinery, time, and general helping attitude,” fellow Sportsmen’s Club member Mike Speckel wrote in a nomination. “When the Sportsmen’s Club is seeking students for sponsorship to go to Long Lake Conservation Camp and other youth conservation opportunities, Joe makes sure no interested child is left out.”

Kittok represents the Sportsmen’s Club on the Delano 4th of July Celebration Committee, something he has done since 1984. In that capacity, he has been in charge of the milkshake and bingo stands.

He is active at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Parish, where he serves as deacon, having been ordained in 2000. In that capacity, he is a member of the Delano Ministerial Association and that entity’s representative on the Delano Spirit of Community Commission.

He is known as a friend to the Boy Scouts, having assisted three Scouts with Eagle Scout projects.

Kittok also serves as Delano’s dog catcher.

Nominator Jeanie Pilarski spoke highly of Kittok.

“Joe is a kind and generous man,” she wrote. “He is a quiet man who does not seek fame or recognition for the many tasks he takes on.”

Speckel echoed that sentiment.

“Joe does all this work and gives all his time in a quiet can-do manner,” Speckel said. “He never asks for recognition, and doesn’t expect it either. Joe appreciates any kind word given to him, however, and that is why he is so deserving of Delano’s Citizen of the Year.”

Kittok is the 42nd person to be named a Delano Citizen of the Year.

Those who preceded him were Loretta Diem in 1978, Mary and Bill Wallisch in 1979, Cliff Lundsten in 1980, Dr. Guilfoile in 1981, Angie VanLith in 1982, Jack Schumacher in 1983, Phil and Helvie Carlberg in 1984, Don Gilmer in 1985, Perry Ditty in 1986, Horace Keplinger in 1987, Gerhard Meiners in 1988, Char and Jim Iten in 1989, Bill Diem in 1990, Winnie Sinkel in 1991, Mary Robinson in 1992, Don Hamilton in 1993, Maria Logsdon in 1994, Rich Ditty in 1995, Art Zitzloff in 1996, Ann and Jim Lundsten in 1997, Jon Hanson in 1998, Cliff and Sandy Simon in 1999, Scott Shoutz in 2000, Carol Lundeen and Gordy Wetter in 2001, John Tackaberry in 2002, Gail Sinkel in 2003, Wayne Estby in 2004, Margaret Parsons in 2005, Dave and Gary Zitzloff in 2006, Donna Anderson in 2007, Clarence “Deacon” Bruhn in 2008, Ted May in 2009, Steve Gilmer in 2010, Dave Carroll in 2011, Jack Lynch in 2012, Dale Vander Linden in 2013, Debbie DeBeer in 2014, Lloyd Griep in 2015, Carol Plocher in 2016, Frank Muckenhirn in 2017, and Terri Mills Harris in 2018.

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