Sherwin Stanton “Stan” Kittleson, 92, of Blue Grass, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at his home. A devoted educator, coach, and mentor, Stan dedicated more than four decades to teaching, athletics, and inspiring generations of young people. His distinguished career, particularly his many years at Augustana College, reflected his lifelong passion for education, sportsmanship, and helping others achieve their fullest potential.

Stan was born on October 16, 1934, in Owasa, Iowa, the son of Sherven and Ila (Bookhart) Kittleson. He graduated from St. Ansgar High School in 1952, where he distinguished himself as a three-sport athlete, earning varsity letters in football, baseball, and basketball. He continued his education at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, graduating in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in physical education. During his senior year, he served as captain of both the football and baseball teams and as president of the Lettermen's Club. His academic achievements and campus leadership earned him recognition in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Stan began his teaching career at Readlyn High School in Readlyn, Iowa, where he taught mathematics and physical education and coached baseball and basketball. In June 1957, he was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country at several military installations, including Fort Smith, Arkansas; Fort Dix, New Jersey; Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

On September 7, 1958, Stan married Ruth Cornell in Alabama. He later married Judith Nesham on July 16, 1977.

Following his military service, Stan resumed his career in education at Clarksville High School in Clarksville, Iowa, where he taught mathematics and physical education while coaching baseball, football, basketball, and track. In 1961, he accepted a teaching and coaching position at Alwood High School in Woodhull, Illinois. There, he taught mathematics, coached football, basketball, and track, and served as athletic director.

Committed to furthering his education and professional development, Stan began a graduate assistantship at the University of Illinois in 1968, where he earned both his master's degree and doctorate. In the fall of 1972, he joined the faculty and coaching staff at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, beginning a long and distinguished association with the institution. Under head football coach Ben Newcomb, Stan served as offensive line coach for three years. He also served as department chairman for 14 years, providing leadership and guidance to colleagues and students alike.

In 1986, Stan became Augustana's head golf coach, further extending his influence on collegiate athletics. Under his leadership, the Vikings shared the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) championship in 1997. His 1999 team captured the CCIW championship and advanced to the NCAA Division III Golf Championships, earning national recognition for the program.

Throughout his career, Stan was actively involved in professional organizations and educational initiatives. He served as president of the Northern District of the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation and as president of the Iowa Association for Physical Education, Health, and Recreation. At Augustana, he sponsored the Physical Education Majors and Minors Club, established bowling and skiing clubs, and introduced skiing and scuba diving courses into the college curriculum.

Stan's commitment to physical fitness extended well beyond the classroom and athletic field. He established a Saturday morning physical education program for children at the Carver Center, which operated for approximately five years. He also organized and led the Augustana Aerobics class, a popular early-morning fitness program that met three times weekly at 6:30 a.m. for more than 20 years, concluding on May 28, 1999. These programs reflected his belief in the importance of lifelong physical activity and making fitness accessible to people of all ages.

An accomplished author, Stan wrote two books on racquetball that collectively sold more than 30,000 copies. He also shared his enthusiasm for winter sports as a ski instructor at Snowstar Ski School for more than a decade, introducing nearly 2,000 Augustana students to skiing through classes at Snowstar and Sundown ski areas. Beyond his professional responsibilities, he was an active member of the Rock Island Optimist Club, continuing his commitment to serving young people and his community.

Throughout his remarkable career, Stan was known for his dedication to his students, his enthusiasm for athletics, and his unwavering belief in the value of education, discipline, and perseverance. Whether teaching in the classroom, coaching on the field, or encouraging others to embrace an active lifestyle, he made a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on through the countless students, athletes, colleagues, and friends whose lives were enriched by his guidance, encouragement, and example.

Stan is survived by his beloved wife, Judith; his daughter, Jeanine (Mike Handwerk) Kittleson; his son, Ryan (Jill) Nesham; seven grandchildren, Jacob White, Thomas White, Madison Nesham, Ella Nesham, Caitlynn Tubbs, Jackson Tubbs, and Chase Belski; and two great-grandchildren expected to join the family. He is also survived by his brother, Roger (Julie) Kittleson, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherven and Ila Kittleson; his sons, Stephen and Paul Kittleson; his brother, Ed Kittleson; and a sister, Karen Bloom.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Blue Grass Presbyterian Church, 325 W. Lotte Street, Blue Grass, Iowa. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In celebration of Stan's lifelong enthusiasm for the Iowa Hawkeyes and St. Louis Cardinals, family and friends are warmly encouraged to wear apparel representing either of his favorite teams, if they so desire. The funeral service will also be livestreamed and may be viewed on the Blue Grass Presbyterian Church Facebook page.

Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at St. Ansgar Cemetery in St. Ansgar, Iowa, where military honors will be conducted in recognition of Stan's service to his country.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blue Grass Presbyterian Church.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on his tribute wall at www.wendtfuneralhome.com.