Everett E. Kita

Everett E. Kita of Weston, WI passed away peacefully on December 11th, 2022.  Everett was born April 30, 1933, the son of Roman and Flora (Barrett) Kita, in Fish Creek, WI.

While growing up, Everett worked on the family farm.  He was the third of five children.  After graduating from Gibraltar High School, Everett went to work for his brother, Jim, at Central Heating in Oshkosh, WI, beginning his lifelong career in the Sheet Metal Trades.  In January of 1952, he enlisted in the US Navy to serve his country.  Everett completed his training at the Great Lakes Naval Station and was assigned to the USS Rupertus (DD-851), a Gearing-Class Destroyer, where he worked with the shipfitters group.  The ship operated with the seventh fleet on the Pacific Ocean and in the Far East during the Korean War.  Everett was honorably discharged in December of 1955 and returned to Oshkosh to continue working in the Sheet Metal Trades.

On May 5th, 1956, Everett married Joann Berns, his high school sweetheart, at St. Rosalia’s Catholic Church in Sister Bay, WI.  They enjoyed 65 years of marriage, and were blessed with seven children, twelve grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.  Everett and Joann moved to the Wausau area and purchased Malbrit Heating & Cooling (now Malbrit Mechanical) in 1961, which he owned and operated until 1998 when he retired and sold the business to his sons, Brad and Brian.

While living in the Wausau area, Everett was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years and belonged to the American Legion and Wausau Elks Club.  He was a lifelong member of St. Therese Catholic Church and served on the finance committee for many years.  Everett was active in and served on many committees in the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship trade through NTC and was inducted into the Wisconsin Apprenticeship Hall of Fame for providing a lifetime of outstanding contributions to the Wisconsin Apprenticeship System on February 3rd,  2003.

Everett and Joann loved traveling, visiting all 50 states and many other countries.  They spent a lot of time at the cottage they built on Little Bearskin Lake.  Everett also attended many Navy Ship Reunions.  Everett was interested in many sports and was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers.  A stockholder and season ticket holder for over 50 years, he attended many games with friends and family, and was at the 1967 Ice Bowl.

Survivors include their seven children: Mark (Betsy) Kita, Indian Wells, CA, Lori Kita-Hall (Dan), Wausau, Kristine (Dave) Pierro, Minnetonka, MN, Patricia (Paul) Madler, Wexford, PA, Gail Kita (Jim Hader), Waukesha, Brad (Marcia) Kita, Schofield and Brian (Stephany) Kita, Weston; 12 grandchildren; Ashley, Derek, Pamela, Kathleen, Matthew, Eric, Daniel, Alexandra, Elizabeth, Michael, Thomas and Marissa; and 3 great grandchildren, Miles, Emilia, and Zoey.  Also surviving is his brother Gerald (Karon) Kita, sister Geraldine Zelhofer, and many nieces and nephews.

Everett was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joann, in November 2021; his parents, Roman and Flora; brothers, Jim Kita and Donald Kita.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Sylvan Crossings and Aspirus Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild, WI at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7th, 2023, with the Rev. Joseph Albert officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery following the Mass.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com