Raymond Walter Kitson

Raymond Walter Kitson, age 98, of Janesville, WI passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025.

Ray, beloved son of Walter Walwin Kitson and Irene Louise Van Ness, was born on January 12, 1927, in Avoca, Iowa. He grew up in Atlantic, Iowa, where he graduated from Atlantic High School in 1945. Just a week after graduation, he was inducted into the Army, ready to serve his country during World War II. While preparing to join the invasion of the Japanese mainland, a contagious disease outbreak in his company led to a quarantine. By the time the quarantine lifted, the war in the Pacific was over. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1946.

Ray pursued higher education at the University of Iowa, earning his accounting degree in 1951, graduating cum laude. During his college years, he was an active member of Delta Sigma Pi and Sigma Phi Epsilon, reflecting his commitment to both academic and social engagement.

On June 15, 1953, Ray married Jeanne Anne Delaney, beginning a loving marriage that lasted 69 years until her passing in August 2022. His professional journey began at McGladrey, Hanson, Dunn & Company in Clinton, Iowa, where he worked for a year before being asked to open the Janesville office in 1953. Soon after, he became a partner in the firm, which today is known as RSM. Under Ray’s leadership in 1978 McGladrey, Hanson, Dunn & Company became the first CPA firm in Janesville to file taxes using a computer. Demonstrating that same entrepreneurial spirit, Ray would go on to found his own firm, Kitson & Gaffney in 1980.

Throughout his career, Ray was an active member of his community. He loved being a CPA and used this passion by serving on the board of directors of many organizations including: Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants (WICPA), Cedar Crest, The Janesville Country Club, United Way, and the Visiting Nurses Association of Wisconsin. He was actively involved at Cargill United Methodist Church as treasurer and sang in the choir. Ray was an active member of the Janesville Noon Rotary club, enjoyed working the corn boil every summer, in earlier years was the treasurer of the Rotary Horse Show, and was proud to have his service to Rotary recognized by being named a Paul Harris Fellow. He also generously volunteered his time to Meals on Wheels, SCORE, and Angel Flight, reflecting his deep commitment to helping others. His dedication to his profession and the community will be remembered by all who worked with him and knew him.

Ray and Jeanne opened their home to Rotary Exchange students from Sweden, Germany, New Zealand and Mexico. Their adventuresome spirit took them to countries all over the world and throughout the United States. For almost 20 years, Ray and Jeanne enjoyed the warmer climate and caring friendships at South Padre Island, TX. Ray had a passion for flying his Cessna 182 and enjoyed driving his Model A Fords. He and Jeanne together made many friends in the Model A Restorer’s Club of WI, the Roughriders social group, and through Janesville youth hockey.

Ray and Jeanne loved it when their children and families gathered together. Following a family-meal grace, Jeanne would reflect “We are blessed”. While Ray would quote his father, “Let’s be a long time”. He was blessed and had a long and wonderful time.

His legacy is one of service, dedication, professionalism, and quiet passion. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanne Anne (Delaney) Kitson, son-in-law Jeffry Behm, daughter-in-law Janet Brown Kitson, and sister Margret Loretta (Kitson) Barnard. He is survived by his five children: Julia Behm, Carroll, IA; Stan Kitson (Robyn), Verona, WI; Douglas Kitson (Phoebe), West Chester, PA; Marjorie Trummel (David), Fishers, IN; and Don Kitson (Marte), Hermantown, MN. Ray and Jeanne were blessed with 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

The family extends appreciation for the loving care and attention given by all the staff at Cedar Crest. He was impressed how friendly everyone was and that they knew him by name. We are thankful too for the friendships formed, particularly the guys in the Men’s Forum who welcomed his sons and sons-in-law to their gathering.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2025 at CARGILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 2000 Wesley Avenue, Janesville. Rev. Steve Scott will officiate. Burial with military rites by Kienow-Hilt V.F.W. Post # 1621 will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 24th at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to Cargill United Methodist Church of Janesville, Rotary Gardens or the United Way Blackhawk Region will allow Ray’s memory to live on for others.

The Kitson family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences may be sent to www.henkeclarson.com.