05/20/2026
I found this cool photograph and article while looking for something else. I assume it is from the Benton County News.📰
We are lucky that people like Joe Kotsmith took the time to photograph everyday life in his time period.
St. Cloud Visitor (St. Cloud, Minnesota) Friday 01 Mar 1946
SOLEMN REQUIEM IS SUNG FOR REV. JOHN A. KITOWSKI
The Rev. John A. Kitowski, retired priest of the Diocese of St. Cloud, died in Fort Atkinson, Wisc., Feb. 18 and was buried there following solemn funeral rites in the parish church Feb. 20. He was 81.
Representing the St. Cloud diocese at the funeral were the Very Rev. T. S. Ziolkowski, Chancellor, who officiated at the final absolution and burial rites; the Rev. John Kromolicki of Holdingford, who delivered the funeral sermon; the Rev. Al B. Kroll of Brennyville, and the Rev. John A. Kroll of Foley, who were, respectively, deacon and subdeacon.
The Rev. Thomas Berry of Whitewater, Wisc., was celebrant of the Solemn Mass, and some 20 priests from neighboring parishes and communities assisted at the funeral of Father Kitowski. Children of the parish sang the music for Requiem Mass, Father Kromolicki, in his sermon, outlined the life of Father Kitowski, pointing out his special care for the sick, and developed the theme of the priest asan "Alter Christus," who brings to souls supernatural life from the time of their birth to the time of their death.
Father Kitowski, despite his age, had been enjoying good health; one of his great joys, it is reported, was to sing a High Mass; the pastor in Fort Atkinson allowed him to celebrate the Midnight High Mass last Christmas.
Born in Wisconsin
Born in Wisconsin May 3, 1864, Father Kitowski is survived by a sister, Katherine of Fort Atkinson, and a twin brother, Adam, living in Florida, who was unable to attend the funeral because of illness. Two first cousins of Father Kitowski, Thomas Kitowski and Mrs. Joseph Lacher, live in St. Cloud. Another cousin, Ferdinand Kitowski of St. Cloud, died in 1937, and Father Kitowski came to St. Cloud on this occasion to celebrate the Funeral Mass in Holy Angels church. He was in St. Cloud in May, 1937, to sing the Funeral Mass of his uncle, Thomas Kitowski.
Father Kitowski's last assignment in the diocese was as pastor in Opole, which he left in April, 1938, for retirement.
Ordained in St. John's Abbey church May 23, 1891, Father Kitowski was stationed as pastor in Opole for a few months in 1893 and later in St. Anna. He became pastor in Gilman; he resigned there in 1905 and was granted a leave of absence to Texas because of ill health.
Made Pastor of Foley
In March, 1905, Father Kitowski was appointed pastor of Foley, where noted changes and improvements were made under his pas toral regime. The church and parish house were moved into the village limits to the plot donated by John Foley, where the present Church of St. John stands. The parish was incorporated under the| name of St. Bridget's congregation Jan. 6, 1906, with Father Kitowski as pastor; William Lord, secretary; and John Donovan, treasurer.
It was under Father Kitowski's pastorate that the present imposing church structure was erected. In virtue of the will of John Foley leaving $25,000 for a new church, the parish was enabled to complete new church in December, 1909, at a cost of $25,400. From 1905 to 1913, the parish grew from 70 to 100 families.
Granted a year's leave of absence again because of ill health. Father Kitowski returned in June, 1914, to become pastor in St. Anna, and in 1921 the mission in Arban was added to his charge. In June, 1931, he was appointed to Maples succeeding the Rev. Theodore Rekosiak, where he remained until 1933 when he received his last appointment to Opole.
