2
trees
planted in memory of Manuel F. Kiteka
Obituary for Manuel F. Kiteka
Obit for Manuel F. Kiteka
Manuel F. Kiteka, affectionately known as "John", age 42, of Newberry, Indiana, passed away on July 29, 2025. He was born on May 5, 1983, in Bloomington, IN, the son of the late Dr. Sebastian Kiteka and Carmen Queiros. Raised in Bloomington, John was known for his adventurous spirit and exceptional talent in the kitchen. A passionate home chef, he found great joy in preparing meals from scratch for his children and for his beloved wife, Crystal Kiteka. Cooking was more than a skill, it was a love language passed down from his mother, Carmen Queiros (born in Portugal), who taught him patience and creativity. His father, Dr. Sebastian Kiteka (born in Angola, West Africa), instilled in him the importance of self-respect. One of the greatest highlights of John's early life was his 1992 trip to Portugal, where he spent time with his grandfather João, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins. That Journey left a lasting impression and deepened his connection to his roots and heritage. John's life would later be marked with profound loss. In December 2011, he experienced the devastating death of his firstborn son, Elijah, at the age of 5 in a car accident. Just a few months later, in April 2012, he lost his "best friend", his father, Dr. Sebastian Kiteka, at the age of 63. The following year, in June 2013, his beloved grandmother, Ruby "VoVo" Martz, passed away at age 92. Then, on June 25, 2019, he endured the deepest heartbreak of all - the unexpected loss of his wife, Crystal, at the age of 36. She was, in his words, "The love of my life."
Despite these hardships, John remained devoted to his family and deeply committed to his children's well-being.
John is survived by his children: Airreana Johnson of Terre Haute, IN, Wallace Kiteka of Vincennes, IN, Ishmael Kiteka of Cloverdale, IN, and Tatyana Kiteka of Newberry, IN. He is also survived by his mother, Carmen Queiros, of Palm Coast, FL and his only sibling, Samuel Kiteka of Houston, TX.
John was also a proud and loving uncle to Samuel and Esther's four children - his nephews and niece: Sebastian Kiteka (20), Caleb Kiteka (18), Elijah Kiteka (8), and Harmony Kiteka (6).
The Kiteka Family wishes to acknowledge the many individuals who left a lasting impact, including Scott and Debbie May, and Elizabeth Gray, his middle school teacher, who embraced John like a son.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 2 PM at Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home, located at 521 Vigo St., Vincennes, IN. The family will receive friends from 1 PM to 2 PM at the funeral home.
To plant a tree in memory of Manuel F. Kiteka, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Saturday
9
Aug
1:00 PM
- 2:00 PM
Duesterberg-Fredrick
521 Vigo Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Celebration of Life
Saturday
9
Aug
2:00 PM
Duesterberg-Fredrick
521 Vigo Street
Vincennes, IN 47591
Loading...