Kent Fischer Kittle was born April 26, 1945, in Maxwell, Nebraska, to Ruby J. and Glenn C. Kittle, the youngest of three boys. Known for his kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and extraordinary musical talent, Kent passed away on March 14, 2026.

Music was central to Kent’s life from an early age. Taught first by his mother, he quickly developed a gift for piano. After attending school in Maxwell, his family moved to North Platte, where he continued his musical pursuits and graduated from North Platte High School in 1963. Kent went on to study music education at Kearney State College, where his talent flourished. He accompanied ensembles, performed on trombone, and composed original works. His professors recognized his exceptional ability and encouraged him to continue developing his work as a composer. During this time, he traveled around the country performing with a jazz group, often so focused on music that it became a distraction from class. He was a member and president of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (Epsilon Kappa Chapter).

It was in college that Kent met Janet (Coffey) Swedberg, the love of his life. They married in 1968 and raised three children—Angela, Jeff, and Rob. In the early 1970s, the family lived in San Jose, California, later returning to Nebraska, where Kent centered his life on music and family. Kent’s passion for composition never waned. He wrote orchestral, band, and piano works, including pieces dedicated to his wife, each of his children, and other family members. His works were performed by the Sandhills Symphony and the University of Nebraska at Kearney music department.

In Nebraska, Kent became a skilled piano tuner and shared his love of music through private lessons. He accompanied school and community performances, repaired instruments, and could often be found playing at Kittle’s Music. He also performed regionally with The Hatchbacks jazz ensemble.

Beyond music, Kent enjoyed his woodshop, creating beautiful pieces under K & K Woodworks—including furniture, jewelry boxes, and most importantly a cradle for his first grandchild. He was also a dedicated supporter of the North Platte Community Concert Series. Steadfast and true, he showed up for his family in every way, offering quiet support, encouragement, and love throughout his life.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Ruby Kittle; his wife, Jan Swedberg; and his brothers, Keith Kittle and John “Curt” Kittle.

He is survived by his children, Angela Hipp of North Platte, Jeff (Beth) Kittle of rural Oregon, Rob (Danielle) Kittle of North Platte, and bonus children Emily Swedberg of North Platte and Ellen (Jake) Davis of League City, Texas; his grandchildren, Larissa, Zoe, Kyndra, Alyssa, Thomas, Daisy, Andrew, Evelyn, Samson, Justina, Alexander, Henry, Eli, Walter, and Milo; his sister-in-law, Bette Kittle; his niece, Grethen Kittle; his nephew, Christian Kittle; and many friends whose lives were enriched by his music and presence.

Funeral service will be held Monday, March 23, 2026, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel at 11 AM with Lori Mussman as celebrant. Burial will follow at Plainview Cemetery at 2 p.m. Visitation with family receiving friends will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the North Platte Concert Association. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.