Kyle Mason Kittleson Ph.D

Kyle Mason Kittleson was born on May 15, 1949. Kyle’s journey to Heaven started on October 30, 2023. He leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Stephanie, brother, Kevin Kittleson, MD, sister-in-law, Lynn Edlund, niece Lori Bongiorno (Jon), niece Kelsey Kittleson, nephew Richard Edlund, great-nephew Ethan Grabiec, great-nephew Alex Grabiec, cousins, and many wonderful friends.

Kyle was a loving son, son-in-law, grandson, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, friend, and an the most exceptionally wonderful husband. He had a high-energy zest for life that he loved sharing with his brother, Kevin, friends, and later on, with his wife and best friend, Stephanie, for 55 years. Kyle was a great story teller and his sense of humor was unrelenting, and he never failed to make people laugh or smile, even in the toughest of times.

Kyle loved adventures, and every day brought new experiences with people, pets, places, and activities, especially out in nature. He was a great hockey defenseman and enjoyed football, downhill and cross country skiing, backpacking, canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, fly fishing, bow hunting, and exploring anything nature offered him. He was closest to God in nature, where his soul drew strength, and found joy in sharing his love of nature with his wife, who shared his passion for adventure. That love continued on further, through 2 nieces, a nephew and 2 great-nephews and friends.

After graduating from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School in 1967, his love of nature led him to Michigan State University where he earned his Bachelor's in Forestry, Master's in Biometrics and PhD in Natural Resource Economics. Using the tools he developed, he educated people and he showed them how to care for our natural environment. He designed and led research projects to conserve natural resources and help farmers be good stewards of the land. He made sure his graduate students developed the skills they needed to reach their goals in Natural Resources Conservation and in their lives.

Kyle was an extremely curious and creative thinker, and problem solver. He never missed an opportunity to help his family and friends with their life goals and problems, big or small. This was especially true with his wife. He was always in her corner supporting her to be the best that she could be in all of her life goals, never missing an opportunity to tell those around him how proud he was of her.

Although Kyle is no longer with us, we can still see him in the stars as he scurries across the heavens, exhausting all the other Heavenly residents who rest in his wake. If they dare to follow, they will find amazing adventures, just as we all did here with him on earth.

You are welcome to join us in a celebration of Kyle’s life starting with a visitation for Kyle held Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823. A funeral service will occur Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 1:00 PM, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823. A graveside service will occur Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Deepdale Memorial Gardens, 4108 Old Lansing Rd, Lansing, MI 48917. Following the graveside service there will be a dinner at Chicago Pizza at 1938 Grand River Ave, Okemos, MI 48864.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to:

A Living Tribute, https://shop.alivingtribute.org/products/michigan. Trees will be planted in the Huron-Manistee and Hiawatha National Forests in Michigan.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for the Kittleson family.