Kenneth Leo Hitt, of Antigo, died Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Eastview Medical & Rehabilitation Center. He was 89 years old. He was born on January 20, 1922 in the Town of Rolling, a son of Ralph and Mae (Guenthner) Hitt. He married Ione Schardt on August 29, 1949 at Sanborn Lutheran Chapel. She survives.

Mr. Hitt served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He owned and operated a dairy farm for over 40 years and worked at Aulik Implement from 1973 until his retirement in 1984. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Mattoon and the Devine-Menting American Legion Post # 525, Phlox. He served on various committees at church and was a past elder. He served on the board of directors of Antigo Milk Products and was a past president of the Mattoon chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

He enjoyed participating in tractor pulling at the Langlade County Youth Fair for over 40 years. He initiated the Modified tractor class with The Spirit of 76. He also enjoyed woodworking and was affectionately known as Uncle Kenny and The Fireman.

In addition to his wife, survivors include six children, Barbara Nieman, Conyers, GA, Marlene (Tom) Harwood, Valencia, CA, Douglas (Betty) Hitt, Antigo, Carol (Jim) Schairer, Birnamwood, Vicki (Fred) Posler, Oro Valley, AZ and Harry (Paula) Hitt, Antigo; eighteen grandchildren, John (Tonya) Nieman, Kenneth Nieman, Philip Nieman, William Harwood, Steven Pregler, Brian (Jen) Hitt, Kevin (Nancy) Hitt, Michael (Suzanne) Hitt, Lisa Artz, Kenneth Artz, Cory (Karen)Schairer, Kelly (Lee) Clark, Mike (Tricia) Schairer, Rick (Krystal Resch) Schairer, Kathryn Posler, Emily Posler, Daniel Hitt and Travis Hitt; twenty two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Phyllis Rasmussen, Wittenberg and Lorraine (Keith) Wilson, Antigo; a brother-in-law, Harold (Rose) Schardt, Antigo; and a sister-in-law, Bernice Schardt, Antigo.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Vivian Rasmussen; five brothers-in-law, Clarence Rasmussen, Melvin Rasmussen, Richard Schardt, Robert Schardt, Robert O'Neil; and a sister-in-law, Arlene O'Neil.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Mattoon with Reverend Dean Bertsch officiating. Burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery where military rites will be held. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 -8 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Devine-Menting American Legion Post will stand honor guard from 5-6 p.m. A memorial will be established.

He was a faithful servant of the Lord.

Services