09/04/2025
Vernon James Kitchen
Vernon (Vern) J. Kitchen of Pinecreek, ID, a much-loved and adored husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away on August 30, 2025, at Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg, ID. He was surrounded by his family, who loved him deeply. Vern was born on May 8, 1939, in Smelterville, ID, the third son and the fourth child of the late Percy Kitchen and Rosalie Kitchen (Brammer).
Vern spent his growing-up years attending local schools. During high school, he played football and basketball, first at Kingston High and then at Kellogg, graduating from Kellogg High School in 1957. He was a proud life-long Wildcat. His family could often be found at home games and he could be found cheering his children on at their games and chosen activities.
He was a proud Marine (once a Marine, always a Marine), where he spent four years honing the work ethic and never-say-die attitude he first learned working alongside his father growing up. He was honorably discharged, and he came home to the Silver Valley, working various jobs in construction, at The Bunker Hill, until the doors closed. After the mine closed, he worked for several years helping his parents out and eventually running Rosie’s Mine Wedges, he eventually settled at Dave’s Smith Motors, where he spent months at the top of the salesperson board, retiring at the age of 81.
He met and married the absolute love of his life in 1967, and they settled in Pinecreek, ID. They raised their three children there. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching football, and cheering his children on in their chosen activities. He was an avid Washington Husky fan, BUT the college team that was near and dear to his heart was the Gonzaga Bulldogs. He spent many a night watching their games, yelling at the players and refs. One of his bucket list items was to go watch a game in the Kennel. A couple of years ago, his grandson Justin took him to a game, and he sat for the entire game in complete awe and silence. It was a great night, and for the first time, his wife didn’t have to elbow him or shush him. His biggest pleasure was being surrounded by his family. He loved watching the antics of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, except when playtime got a bit rough and tumble, which would jeopardize the lifespan of his TV.
If you knew Vern, you knew he loved the Lord greatly and was honored to serve in many capacities at the church the family attended. He loved God, his wife, his children, and family, and others. He raised and led his family with Godly values. He fought the good fight, and he has finished his course, and he kept the faith. We know he has received his crown of righteousness, which the Lord has given him.
He is survived by his wife of over 58 years, Kathleen Kitchen, of the family home in Pinecreek, ID; his children, daughter, Kim (Adam) Johnson, of Pinehurst, ID, daughter, Marci ( Heath) Ransom of Kingston, ID, and son, Percy ( Brittany) of Kellogg, ID; His grandchildren Justin (Katie), Jarred (Nikki), Little J, Draden, Kaleb, Houston, Ashley (Nathaniel), Amanda (Stephanie), Nick (Maria), Tailor, Eavin, and Joni.; his great-grandchildren, Tucker, Phoenix, Reggie, Jettson, Juddson, Madison, Delilah, Emory, Ezekiel, Jordynn, Lincoln, Logen, Laiklynn, Tanner, and Royce; his sisters Elsie Shatto, Rosalie (Talmadge) Birdsong, Kathy (Peter) Volkert, and Dorothy Osterberg; numerous nieces and nephews; and his best friend since grade school, Bob Stemm, and his friend from the dealership, Bob Tierney.
He is preceded in death by both of his parents; a brother, Robert (Bob), Verle; brother-in- laws Don and Leon; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, 11:00 AM at The Worship Center in Smelterville, ID, where a potluck will follow in the church’s activity center. Vern’s family requests that attendees wear Zag colors: blue and red.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at both Mountain Valley of Cascadia and Shoshone Medical Center, both in Kellogg, for the special care and love they showed Vern while in their care, and thank you to Shoshone Funeral Services for assisting with his final arrangements.
Memories of Vern and messages of condolence may be shared online with his family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Kitchen family with arrangements.
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