In Memoriam ~ Kelly Bitzan Zittlow ’02 Posted on January 3, 2024 in Alumni News, Obituaries Kelly Bitzan Zittlow ’02 October 23, 1983 – December 18, 2023 Kelly Marie Bitzan Zittlow, cherished daughter, sister, cousin, aunt and friend, passed away at the age of 40. Kelly’s compassionate spirit, tender heart, sense of humor and delight in nature will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends. She was an independent and multifaceted woman, and a deeply loyal friend. Kelly was spiritual, especially aware of the Divine Presence in creation. She had a special connection and affection for the Irish monk, Blessed Columba Marmion. As a child, Kelly was inquisitive, playful and creative. She loved performing in plays with her cousins on makeshift stages in the basement, creating tickets for the shows and charging her parents admission. Kelly was adventurous. She loved to travel, visiting Ireland with a cousin when she was in college. She treasured summers at Upper Spunk Lake with her grandparents and weekends at her family cabin on Boy Lake. She loved good food and cooking with friends. Kelly was known as an “animal whisperer.” She couldn’t say no to an animal in need and once fostered two rescue racoons, nursing them back to health. Her dog, Boo, was a treasured longtime companion. Kelly graduated from Saint John’s Prep in Collegeville, Minnesota. She graduated from Creighton University in Omaha. She cherished the friends she made in Omaha and enjoyed many years of working in the hospitality industry there. Kelly was competitive. When it came to games, she was “all in,” especially when engaging in Fantasy Football with her boyfriend, John. Kelly recently returned to Minnesota and appreciated the opportunity to connect with family and friends. She enjoyed serving as a volunteer, visiting the retired Benedictine Sisters at St. Scholastica. Gift giving was one of Kelly’s strongest love languages. At Christmas, she presented thoughtful, individually-tailored gifts for each family member. She adored her nieces and nephews. She never missed a birthday. Kelly’s kindness and generous, caring spirit will be greatly missed. Survivors include her father Raymond (Jan White) Zittlow of St. Cloud and her mother Eileen Bitzan of St. Cloud, siblings Matthew (Baylee) Zittlow of Minneapolis, Michael (JR Kennedy) Zittlow of Minneapolis, Stephanie (Omar) Sutherland of North Pole, AK, Jacob (Sara) Olson of Sartell and nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her grandparents Pat and Don Bitzan and Bill and Carol Zittlow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Sisters of St. Benedict’s Monastery or the Tri-County Humane Society in St. Cloud. The family will celebrate Kelly’s life with a private service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in St. Cloud.
