Adele Kittleson Sjoberg

Adele KITTLESON Sjoberg, 100 of Petoskey died August 7, 2019 in Petoskey.

Adele was born Adele Ahlness on July 12,1919 in the small town of Rhame, North Dakota to Hans, who was a pharmacist and owner of The Ahlness Drug Store, and Frieda. Adele was the oldest of three with a sister, Jean and brother Paul.

She left Rhame after high school and attended Concordia College in Moorehead Minnesota, then taught in Reeder, ND for two years where she met and in 1941, married Russel Kittleson. They moved to Detroit and raised three children, Terry (Katy), Diane Nichols (Jon), and Russel (Kathy). 

After staying home for a few years, Adele returned to school to finish her degree, and to teaching. She taught kindergarten in North Dearborn Heights until her retirement in 1984. 

In 1967, she and Russel bought their little cottage on the west arm of Walloon Lake and for the next 50 plus years, their family, including 7 grandchildren and eventually 18 great grandchildren made precious memories there.

Russel died in 1986 and in 1988 she married Arnold Sjoberg, who died on 1998.

Adele was a life-long Lutheran, always active in her church. She was also a lifelong bridge player, even after macular degeneration had taken much of her vision. Family, Church friends and bridge friends formed the core of her social life. She loved the water and did her exercises in Walloon Lake even when the cold water kept out most swimmers!

Adele has always taken a great interest in the lives of everyone she meets, as well as in politics and current events. She could talk knowledgeably, and with a strong opinion, on a wide variety of subjects. 

Her life has been lived fully, never losing interest in the world, her friends or her family.

She spent her last year in Mallard Cove, but that didn’t change her interest in life and those around her. Celebrating her 100th birthday on July 12 brought family and friends from all over the country. She loved every minute of her parties and afterwards, it seemed it was time to let go. 

A memorial service celebrating Adele’s life will be held at the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Petoskey at 11am on August 10th.  The family will receive friends at the church from 10am until the time of service.

Those wishing to honor Adele’s memory are asked to make a donation to the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church of Petoskey.

Arrangements are in the care of the Stone Funeral Home of Petoskey.

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