Denver J. Kitzan, 46, Dickinson, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024 at his home with family by his side. Denver’s Celebration of Life Service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, April 29, 2024 at Hillside Baptist Church, Dickinson, with Rev. Rob Grunden officiating. There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Time of Sharing Stories and Memories at 3 p.m.
Denver James Kitzan was born to David and Barbara (Kaczmarek) Kitzan in Bowman. When he was two years old, they moved to Dickinson. He received his elementary education at Heart River Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, and Roosevelt Elementary. He graduated from Dickinson High School in 1996. He met April Filipi at his aunt’s house in December of 1992, and they became high school sweethearts. They were married on September 7, 1996, at Hillside Baptist Church, Dickinson. Seven children were born to Denver and April: Faith, Roman, Chase, Gustav, Eden, Violet, and Asia.
For almost 20 years, Denver was a part-owner in his family’s construction business, Big K Industries, Inc. He was very proud to work with them, and the quality of their work mattered to him greatly. His experiences with them later led him to start a construction company with his own children. He was a reserve police officer for the Dickinson Police Department for a couple of years. In October of 2012, he and April purchased land in Peachland, British Columbia, Canada, and started K-9’s Cougar Canyon Outfitters, Inc. He, April, and his children worked together to make their hunters’ dreams a reality. In 2020, he started his own construction company in Dickinson, 2020 Industries, LLC. He had the honor of working with his three sons, Roman, Chase, and Gustav, and his daughter, Eden.
Denver was introduced to hunting early on, and that passion only increased with time. He shared his love of hunting with his family, and many of his favorite memories included hunting with their hounds. He was a member of the Eastern Idaho Houndsmen Association, supported the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, and was the vice president of the North Dakota Houndsmen Association.
Denver was diagnosed with brain cancer on June 15, 2023. On June 17, before his first surgery, he was blessed to walk his son, Roman, down the aisle. Denver was a fighter. He pursued almost every possible treatment for his cancer, but acknowledged from the very beginning that God had a purpose and plan for his life. He trusted Him completely. His testimony was an inspiration to so many. Denver’s greatest joy was his family. It was their support and his faith in God that gave him hope and strength throughout his journey with cancer. Although his treatments were unsuccessful in curing his cancer, he has the ultimate victory in Christ Jesus, and there is comfort in knowing that he is praising God in his eternal home.
Denver is survived by his wife, April, of 27 years; his seven children, Faith, Minneapolis, MN, Roman (Kady), Chase, Gustav, Eden, Violet, and Asia, all of Dickinson; one grandson, Brantley; his parents, David and Barbara Kitzan; his siblings, Quentin (Carol) Kitzan, Cebe (Bruce) Schneider, and Gaye (Dwight) Dvirnak; many nieces and nephews.
