Brian A. Kittelson, 66, rural Heimdal, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2019 at the St. Aloisius Hospital in Harvey. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 29, from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the Nelson Funeral Home in Fessenden. A private family service will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home with burial at Hillside Cemetery in Fessenden.

Brian Ardel Kittelson, son of Arvin and Darlene (Mjoen) Kittelson, was born April 1, 1953 at Harvey. He grew up on the family farm east of Heimdal and began his education at the Heimdal Public School, later attending Fessenden High School.

During the winter of 1973, Brian worked as a welder for Steinman Manufacturing of Carrington. The following year he worked as a farmhand for Alf Dybing and in 1975 he, along with his wife Sandra (Dahl) began farming with his dad. Brian and Sandi had two children, Dawn and Blake.

In addition to farming, Brian drove truck for Wiest Trucking during the winter months. In 1998 he turned the farm over to his daughter and son-in-law, purchased his own truck and started Kittelson Trucking where he was an over the road driver. On June 2, 2001, Brian was married to Mary Branson Lacy. They made their home on the Kittelson farm and Brian continued to operate Kittelson Trucking until 2011. He then returned to driving truck for Simplex Leasing (formerly Weist Trucking) and continued until his retirement in July of this year. Since retiring, Brian had been enjoying his part time job working for Kirkeide Farms.

Brian devoted his life to caring for others. He, in his signature black cowboy hat, was often seen at truck stops across the country buying meals or gas for those in need. Brian enjoyed visiting. He could talk for hours with just about anybody anywhere. He had a wealth of knowledge that he shared freely. He'd often stop his day to help out any young drivers that were having trouble with their loads or truck. He loved his vintage tractors, especially those that were red and had Farmall on them. And Brian loved animals. Cattle, hogs, horses, goats, dogs and cats, he enjoyed his time caring for all of them. Haying season was one of his favorite times of the year. When his time over the road ended, he was excited to be back out in the fields helping with harvest again. But most of all, Brian loved his family, including his friends that he considered family. The calls with his family while he was on the road were the highlights of his days. Whether he was attending a family reunion or just having dinner at home, he loved being surrounded by his children, grandchildren and friends. His love had no bounds.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Dawn (Tim) Beck and Blake (Mandi) Kittelson of Fessenden, Kevin Lacy of Seattle, WA, Robin Lacy of Bismarck and Pedro Samaniego of Grovetown, GA; and his grandchildren, Hayden, Emily, Britain, Bridger, Landen, Veralynn, Juliana, Mariella, and Tully.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be shared at nelsonfuneralhomesnd.com