Join Hands to Support Erik's Loving Family

Our community has experienced a great loss, as Erik Kitt passed away from a short illness on Saturday morning surrounded by his family. Erik was a positive force in supporting and caring for those whose lives he touched. Erik was so very proud of his family and his abundant love for Jen, Ellery, and Regan was so evident. For many of us, Erik shared his positive, upbeat energy and passion for making a difference.

As many of you know, Erik made one of the best decisions in his life in choosing to marry his high school sweetheart, Jen Breunig. Erik and Jen supported each other in finding their passions in their professional careers. Erik left the “Packerland” to attend the University of Minnesota and Jen quickly followed behind to start a teaching position within the Minnetonka School District. It is proven that you can take Erik out of the state of Wisconsin but Erik’s passion for the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers never left him.

Erik and Jen planted deep roots in this community that have spread far and wide, as Jen has touched many student lives and families at Excelsior Elementary. Erik's never ending support of Jen in shaping the hearts and minds of 5th grade students proved Erik was just as passionate and encouraging of Jen to succeed. Jen has created lasting memories and deep connections after 30-years of dedicated service to the Minnetonka School District. Many of us have been a recipient of Jen’s unconditional love to her students and student’s families; all the while, Erik had the best front row seat in class watching Jen gracefully share her passion and pride in her many 5th grade students.

Erik’s biggest pride and joy in life were his two daughters: Ellery and Regan. He glowed when he was supporting them in their activities and accomplishments. He jumped in head first to support their efforts in the sport of swimming. Rather than cheering from the stands, Erik took a leadership position on the pool deck as a USA Certified Swim Meet Official. It was a better view to watch Ellery and Regan swim, and he was passionate about getting other parents involved to support their swim athletes.

Erik continued his support in lending his time and talents as a long time board member of the Minnetonka Anchor Club, filling several leadership roles; he was eager to educate, recruit and raise money for Minnetonka Swim Club. Erik was impactful in challenging the status quo and ensuring top notch podium-worthy programming and an award winning aquatic facility was available for all to find success. Erik wanted to ensure future families could benefit from the same experience that was given to him and his family through joining the Minnetonka Swim Club community.

Erik fostered a sense of camaraderie that carried over into Minnetonka High School Girls Swim and Dive. Erik loved dual meets and was a fierce competitor to the core cheering on the whole team. He was the king of scoring meets and made great predictions on how each meet would conclude. He built a community amongst swim families and was honored to support the role of Captain’s Parent twice. He was the first to pump his fist in the air and jump for joy.

With all of the enrichment Erik provided to us, you are invited to extend your support and love to Jen, Ellery and Regan through this Go Fund Me page to help ease the financial pressures and to support the wishes Erik had for his family. By coming together, your donation will allow Jen to focus on healing and supporting Ellery and Regan through this difficult transition. Erik was a positive force in our community, and his legacy of kindness, commitment, and community spirit will live on through all who knew him.

Services will be held at Washburn McReavy Funeral Home (5000 W 50th Street, Edina, MN) on Monday, June 10, with visitation at 10:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM.