Robert James Kittleson

Robert James Kittleson of Grand Haven, Mich., originally of

Edwardsburg, Mich., age 61, died on July 4, 2024. He is survived

by his sister Cynthia (Richard) Dobrez, his two nieces Kimberly

and Kathryn Dobrez (Patrick Davis), and one great-niece, Olivia

Skye Davis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merrill and

Virginia (Chase) Kittleson. He graduated from Edwardsburg High

School and earned a BS and MBA from Indiana University and

continued to cheer on the Hoosiers' Football and Basketball

teams, as hard as that could be some years. Bob retired at 47 from

a successful career as a commercial real estate executive with KFC

and Circle K. He moved around the country, living in Kentucky,

Arizona, Florida, Texas, where he met many colleagues who

became friends. Last year he moved back to Michigan to be near

his sister. Bob enjoyed music, playing guitar, reading, golf, and

trying to beat his best friend of almost six decades, Tom Rea, in

fantasy football. He was more successful at some of those hobbies

than others. ;) While there will not be a formal funeral service,

the family is eager to hear from friends and family with their

stories. We loved Big Bob and as Neil Young has said, "Only love

can break your heart." Bob was a frequent and generous donor to

cancer research and memorial donations in his name to his

favorite charity, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at www.dana-

farber.org would be greatly appreciated by the family.