Barbara M. Kittinger, 93
Long time St. Paul resident Barbara M. Kittinger slipped away peacefully on May 10, 2025, from Alzheimer’s disease. She was 93 years old.
Barbara was born to Ted and Llyla Jansen on June 8, 1931, in Hallock, Minn.
She was the first of four daughters. After completing high school she attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., where she earned her bachelor of arts in education and became a physical education teacher.
It was at St. Olaf she met Carney R. Kittinger, the love of her life. After graduation in 1953, they married and had two sons, Paul and Craig.
She completed her master’s degree at the University of St. Thomas and became a high school guidance counselor. She worked for many years within the St. Paul Public School system. In 1986, she was named Minnesota High School Counselor of the year by both the St. Paul Counselors Association and the Minnesota Student Counselors Association. What an honor!
Barb was truly a trend setter, ahead of her time, eating organically and choosing functional medicine health care options long before it became popular. Long blade skating with her husband was one of her life’s passions. She also loved hosting events in her home for family and friends, and spending time in the woods at the family cabin. Her hobbies included reading, travel and playing piano. She particularly loved playing bridge with her bridge club and her membership in the Philanthropic Education Organization, whose mission it is to help women around the world advance their lives through education.
Barbara was a supporter and member of many organizations – Doctors without Borders, Minnesota Public Radio, Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, PEO, the St. Paul Hubb Center and the Minnesota Educational Association.
She was a member of Macalester-Plymouth United Church for many years. In the last few years of her life she attended Unity South Twin Cities as she was able.
A service of remembrance celebrating her incredible life will take place Saturday, Sept. 13, 1-3 p.m., at Degidio’s Restaurant (banquet room), 425 7th St. West, St. Paul.
Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.
