Kory E. Kitt

Kory E. Kitt

March 1, 1972 - July 27, 2022

SARGENT, Neb. — Kory E. Kitt, 50, of Sargent, passed from this life into the Lord’s presence Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Kory was born March 1, 1972, in Benkelman, Neb., to parents, Keith and Karla (Stock) Kitt. Kory grew up on the family farm south of Wauneta, Neb. He attended public school in Wauneta from grades K-12 and excelled in academics, sports, and music. Growing up, Kory enjoyed spending time with his older brother, Kelly, and when they weren’t playing basketball or baseball, the boys were helping with cattle or working in the fields. Kory especially looked forward to harvest each year and the opportunity to spend time with his family. As a child, Kory loved going to Sunday School and was friendly, compassionate, and quick-witted. Because of these personable traits, Kory made and kept friends easily. He had an exceptional ability to recall names, dates, and statistics.

Kory graduated from Wauneta High School in 1990. He received his Bachelor’s degree in secondary education with endorsements in mathematics and coaching from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. While at UNL, Kory was hired by the college as a tutor and he especially enjoyed helping members of the football team with their math classes. Kory loved being a Husker and enjoyed supporting the football team of his alma mater through the good, the bad, and the ugly. In fact, it was during this time at UNL that Kory placed his faith in Jesus while attending a college ministry event.

Upon college graduation, Kory moved to Sargent, Neb., to begin his teaching career at Sargent Public School in 1996. On Aug. 5, 2000, Kory married April Ottun at the Berean Church in Broken Bow, Neb. From this union, three daughters were born, Karina, Annalise and Koralee. Kory dedicated his life to raising and caring for his family. His girls brought him so much joy and he delighted in spending time with them, whether it be working on basketball shooting mechanics, playing instruments together, or helping coach their summer softball teams. Kory made a deliberate choice to invest in the lives of his children and he desired to raise his daughters in Christ. Kory was an active member of the Sargent Evangelical Free Church in Sargent and faithfully took his family to Wescott Baptist Church in Comstock on Sunday evenings.

A passage of Scripture that resonated with Kory was Job 19:25-27: “I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end He will stand on the earth. Though my skin will be destroyed, in my body I’ll see God. I myself will see Him with my own eyes. I’ll see Him, and He won’t be a stranger to me. How my heart longs for that day.”

For 26 years, Kory faithfully served as a junior and senior high math teacher at Sargent Public School. As a pillar of the community, the people knew Kory as “Mr. Kitt” and appreciated his warm, relatable presence and intellect. When mediocrity seemed the nom, Kory modeled a principled pursuit of excellence and he inspired his students to do the same whether in the classroom or in life. He enjoyed taking students to UNL’s Math Bowl and Kory was a successful coach for the Twin Loup Wolves. He excelled in track and field and found his niche in coaching when he applied his analytical mind to mastering the techniques behind field events. This methodical approach helped Coach Kitt lead his teams to many district championships and qualified scores of athletes for the Nebraska State Track Meet. Kory was recognized as the Grand Island Independents Coach of the Year and was always excited to see his athletes compete and succeed at these higher levels of competition.

While teaching at Sargent, Kory earned his Master’s degree in secondary school education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Kory was honored by Mid-Plains Community College for his 15 years of serving as an adjunct professor. Even though Kory enjoyed success as a veteran teacher and coach, his humble demeanor was refreshing. In fact, Kory’s greatest sense of accomplishment in his professional career didn’t stem back to medals and trophies. Instead, what brought Kory the most joy in teaching was his conviction and ability to connect with and encourage students who didn’t fit in anywhere else. Oftentimes Kory would use his terrific sense of humor to build relationships with students who were considered “at-risk.” Kory had a great empathy for others and discovered that even small acts of kindness could break down barriers and help these students overcome insurmountable obstacles. Kory tried to maintain an upbeat outlook and was a master storyteller and impersonator. He had collected a vast number of stories “in his vault” that entertained his family and friends at get-togethers and kept everyone laughing.

Kory is survived by his wife, April Kitt, and daughters Karina, Annalise, and Koralee of Sargent; mother, Karla Morford (Glenn Heuer) of McCook, Neb.; father, Keith Kitt (Dee Fortkamp) of Wauneta; mother-in-law, Anita Ottun of Sargent; brother, Kelly Kilt (Marjorie Steever)of York, Neb.; brother-in-law, Philip (Sharon) Ottun of Sargent; sister-in-law, Rhoda (Fred) Woods of Burwell, Neb.; brother-in-law, Sterling Ottun of Raleigh, N.C.; 11 nieces and nephews; a great-nephew; and many other dear family and friends.

Kory was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Bernice Stock; grandparents, Dean and Donnaline Kitt; and by his father-in-law, Gaylord Ottun.