Tanner Kitelinger Memorial Fund

On June 9th, 2017, the world lost a selfless, kind, and thoughtful son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and best friend when Tanner Kitelinger tragically passed away from complications of Type 1 Diabetes.

Proceeds of the Tanner Kitelinger Memorial Fund will support the Burlington, Wisconsin Police Department’s K9 Program and Tanner Kitelinger Memorial Rising Star Award.  

From a young age, Tanner was full of life and friendships. At the age of five, Tanner was up on water skis and hockey skates. Snowmobiling, wakeboarding, and dirt bikes fulfilled his need for speed and adventure. Tanner absolutely loved his time in the Beloit, WI school systems and forged close friendships with his classmates and teachers. His time at University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, was the pinnacle of his education. He loved college life and treasured his memories and friendships. In his spare time, Tanner embodied all things Wisconsin and committed to the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, and Bucks but found room for the Chicago Blackhawks as well. He did not miss a tailgate with family and friends

After gaining experience in the business field, Tanner decided to live out his lifelong dream to serve and protect. Tanner graduated from Blackhawk Technical College Police Academy as president of his class. He joined the Burlington, Wisconsin Police Department as a patrol officer and formed countless relationships with coworkers and members of the community. After a year and half on patrol, Tanner successfully launched the K9 program and was honored to become the K9 officer. With his new K9 partner and pal Zander, they set out to find the bad guy and had four successful searches. The bond they formed was beyond words. In such a short time, they worked seamlessly together.

Tanner could comfort and light up a room with his warm and compassionate personality and contagious smile. He formed special connections with everyone he met, because of his genuine kindness and sense of humor. After learning of his passing, Tanner’s friends stated; “He was truly one of a kind” and “To know Tanner, was to love Tanner.” Tanner’s life and legacy continue to inspire countless members of his family, friends, and the community.

As parents, we are beyond devastated that our son is gone, but we are beyond proud of who he was.

Rest easy family and friends, your guardian angel is still on patrol. 

Badge #128 Gone but never forgotten