Elmo Kittleson, 84, Benedict, died on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at the Benedictine Living Center in Garrison. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 3:00 pm at Concordia Lutheran Church in Benedict. Elmo and Twyla's ashes will be buried together on July 3, 2016.

Elmo Melvin Kittleson was born August 12, 1931 in Benedict, ND to Henry and Dena (Kinn) Kittleson. He attended school in Benedict through the 8th grade and graduated from Minot High School in 1949. He joined the US Air Force and served during the Korean War. Upon returning home he met the love of his life, Twyla Evenson. They married July 27, 1955 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Benedict.

Family was always Elmo's priority. Their family grew over the years, adding seven children. Vacations and weekends were also spent with family, sometimes driving from California to North Dakota with seven kids plus some extras at times, all in a station wagon. Staying in campgrounds and seeing sites along the way was all part of the experience. BBQ's were Elmo's thing. He loved getting together and firing up the grill. His favorite holiday was always the 4th of July. He loved his country and his flag, and he was a true patriot.

Elmo's real job was as a machinist, but he was honestly a jack of all trades. If there was something broken he would fix it, rebuild it, or replace it. He was never an idle man. He had to be working on something or he just wasn't satisfied. He had several jobs that included the oil field, coal mines, and construction. He would do whatever was needed to care for his family. He would occasionally do other things he enjoyed, such as hunting, fishing, planting trees and cooking breakfast on Sunday mornings. He was an excellent cook!

Elmo was a very big and kind hearted man. If there was someone in need he did his best to help them. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved children; they created a sparkle in his eye and put a smile on his face. He was a one of a kind and was always full of laughter and jokes. He and Twyla had 58 fantastic years together.

Those honored to share in Elmo's life include, his children, Donavon (Kelli) Kittleson, Kalispell, MT, Garret (Maureen) Kittleson, Turner, OR, Candace (Raymond) Iverson, Max, ND, Brent (Cheryl) Kittleson, Benedict, ND, Tori Kittleson, Washburn, ND, Merry Kittleson (Alvin Larsen), Kenmare, ND, and Cori Kittleson, Benedict, ND; numerous grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his soulmate of 58 years, Twyla, brothers, Ole and Art, sisters, Helen, Tilda, Evelyn, Gladys, and Anna, grandson, Blaine, and granddaughter, Twila Fezzell-Kittleson.