Pearl Kittleson Obituary

Pearl Virginia Kittleson, age 96, of River Falls, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, at Bay Harbor Senior Living, surrounded by love and care.

Pearl was born on March 25, 1929, in rural Spring Valley, WI, to Odin and Genevieve (Hurley) Wenum. She attended Spring Valley High School until 1946. On March 4, 1946, she married her high school sweetheart, Wayne Kittleson, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spring Valley. Their love story blossomed into a beautiful life together, raising four cherished children: Bonnie, Bill, Kathy, and Michael.

Pearl dedicated 33 years of her career to Smead Manufacturing in River Falls, where she built lasting friendships and earned the admiration of colleagues for her reliability and work ethic.

A woman of deep faith and a generous heart, Pearl found joy in giving back to her community. She volunteered with Adoray for eight years, serving both in hospice care and at the Treasure of the Heart shop. Her involvement in St. Bridget’s Catholic Church was also a great source of fulfillment—she loved singing in the church choir and supporting Catholic charities.

Pearl lived her life surrounded by those she loved most. Whether traveling, playing cards and bingo, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, she cherished time spent with her family and close friends above all else. She will be remembered for her kind spirit, her quiet strength, and her unwavering love for those around her.

Pearl is lovingly remembered by her children: Bonnie (Richard) Richardson, Kathy Starr, and Michael (Patty) Kittleson; grandchildren: Heidi, Aaron, Coleen, Aimee, Nikki, Carrie, Angela, Michael, Glen, Jacob and John; 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; brother-in-law, David (Donna) Kittleson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wayne; her son, William; her parents; and siblings: Clark, Rosalie, and Dolores.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Bay Harbor and the Adoray Hospice team for the compassionate care they provided Pearl in her final days.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church: 211 E. Division Street, River Falls, WI. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For more information, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644.