Joann Kita

Joann Barbara (Berns) Kita, 88, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2021.  Joann was born February 13, 1933 to the late Elmer and Marjorie (Knutson) Berns. 

Joann grew up in Sister Bay and graduated from Gibraltar High School, Fish Creek WI in 1951.  She spent a summer working in Chicago before returning to Door County, where she worked various jobs.  On May 5, 1956 she married her high school sweetheart, Everett Kita.  They moved to Oshkosh, where they lived and worked for five years before moving to Schofield, WI.  After raising seven children at home, she worked at the family business, Malbrit Heating & Cooling, as the bookkeeper.

Joann was a devout Catholic and a long time member of St. Therese Catholic Church.  Everett and Joann enjoyed traveling to many countries, and within the United States.  She loved spending time at their cottage in the Minocqua area, reading a good book by the lake, Friday fish fry’s and a Brandy Old Fashioned cocktail.  She treasured spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Everett; 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 1 great grandchild, Miles. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Donald Berns.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild, WI at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2021, 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.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

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