Lanny Kite

Lanny Howard Kite passed away at home on December 16th, 2022, at the age of 77 in Marne, Iowa.

He was born to Bertha and Alva Kite on September 13, 1945, near Hancock, Iowa. Lanny lived in rural Hancock and Walnut during early childhood before moving to Marne and attending Atlantic High School where he loved to play baseball. Lanny began working at the Rock Island Railroad right after high school. He stayed as it became the Iowa Interstate Railroad where he retired as a Roadmaster in 2008 after approximately forty-five years on the railroad. Lanny built his home in Marne in 1972 and was a fierce Marne supporter and community leader ever since. He was involved in revitalizing the Marne Park, planning the Marne Centennial celebration, and served many years on the city council. 

Lanny and Jane were married in May of 2002 bringing together a large blended family, which grew as time went on.  They both loved fishing and camping, especially once they got a camper and could go with their little dog, Mini, a Doxie.  Lanny loved fishing many lakes and ponds, including Lake Shetek in Minnesota which he and his father fished when Lanny was a young boy.  Lanny enjoyed gardening as one of his main hobbies.  He mainly focused on growing tomatoes, sometimes 40-50 plants at a time. He was proud of his big and beautiful tomatoes which he shared with many friends and family.

Lanny lived to spend time with his children and grandchildren and would beam with joy whenever they would visit. He would give the best hugs and was known to sneak a sweet treat to them whenever he could. Lanny passed on his incredible work ethic and great character to all of his children and he will be dearly missed by his many friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Kite; sister, Shirley Christensen; daughters, Lisa (Guadalupe) Alvarez, Cami Mason and Cara Smith; sons, Adam (Jenny) Kite, Chay (Betsy) Gust and Coby (Jenny) Gust; son-in-law, Kerry Frields; sixteen grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Lanny was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Amy (Frields); parents, Alva and Bertha Kite; brother, Dale Kite; brother-in-law, Howard Christensen; and nephew, Alan Kite.

Open visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 27^th at Roland Funeral Home. 

Visitation with family present will begin at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 28^th at Roland Funeral Home followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m., also at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the Monroe Cemetery, north of Walnut, Iowa. 

The slideshow and service are available for viewing below.  The service begins after the slideshow at the 10:30 minute mark.