Grand Haven Township, Mich. — A retired police sergeant William A. Kitzmiller, 80, fatally shot his wife, Donna L. Kitzmiller, 80, before turning the gun on himself on Saturday, September 28.
The couple, who had been married for 54 years, lived in Grand Haven Charter Township, and were well-known for their long careers dedicated to the local community.
The Ottawa County Central Dispatch received a 911 call from William Kitzmiller at 8:58 a.m., in which he described his actions as a “merciful ending” for his wife, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
The 911 audio, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, captures William Kitzmiller’s last words.
He stated, “I’ve given my wife a merciful ending from her Alzheimer’s disease,” adding his own intent to “follow her now in death.”
Authorities say Kitzmiller remained composed during the three-minute call, providing clear instructions for responding officers and relaying the necessary details.
“The front door to the house is open, unlocked,” he informed the dispatcher, noting a note on the kitchen table “with some information” for authorities.
Despite the dispatcher’s attempts to confirm additional details, responses from Kitzmiller were redacted from the public records.
Moments after the call, the dispatcher heard a gunshot.
The call log indicates that William’s labored breathing was audible, but no further response was received. By 9:09 a.m., first responders had arrived at the Kitzmiller residence, where they noted no movement inside.
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According to the dispatch log, the case was officially closed by 6:15 p.m. that evening.
The Kitzmillers were described by friends and family as “true partners in life.”
Both graduates of Albion College, they dedicated decades of service to the Grand Haven community.
William served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1970, during the Vietnam War era, and went on to a 30-year career with the Grand Haven City Police Department, retiring as a sergeant.
Donna Kitzmiller spent her career as an elementary school teacher in the Grand Haven Area Public Schools, teaching at Ferry Elementary, Central Elementary, and Mary A. White Elementary until her retirement.
Their shared interests, including travel and a love for nature, fostered a bond that friends say was a model of partnership and mutual respect.
According to their obituary published by the Klaassen Family Funeral Home, the couple enjoyed spending time together at a family cottage on Lake Michigan, traveling around the world by “boats, planes, trains, and automobiles,” and had a special fondness for animals, providing a loving home to several Golden Retrievers and cats over the years.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office declined to publicly name the couple out of respect for the family’s privacy.
Sheriff’s Capt. Jacob Sparks refrained from sharing specific health-related details, stating that any information released was to honor the couple’s relatives during this difficult time.
The Klaassen Family Funeral Home published an obituary, detailing the couple’s accomplishments and contributions to the community, while also sharing plans for a memorial service.
The couple’s tragic deaths were confirmed through death certificates and a recording of the 911 call.
The Michigan publication MLive was first to report the identities of the Kitzmillers, which matched details provided in their obituary.
On the death certificates, Ottawa County medical examiner Dr. Matthew Carr ruled that Donna Kitzmiller’s death was a homicide, with her husband’s actions leading directly to the fatal gunshot wound she sustained.
William Kitzmiller’s death was ruled a suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound shortly afterward.
The distressing circumstances surrounding the Kitzmillers’ deaths have highlighted the unique challenges facing caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan’s communications director, Kathryn Ribant Payne, spoke generally about the strain of caregiving, noting that a significant portion of caregivers report chronic health problems and depression.
Ribant Payne said caregivers often experience higher stress levels than the general population, particularly when managing the needs of someone with Alzheimer’s or similar cognitive conditions.
“This disease is very challenging for caregivers, who may end up in a place of desperation,” she said.
According to the association, more than 30 percent of caregivers report depression, with over 66 percent experiencing chronic health issues of their own.
Michigan alone has 380,000 people providing unpaid care to 202,000 individuals with Alzheimer’s or related conditions.
Ribant Payne emphasized that help is available for caregivers, including a 24/7 support hotline and community-based resources.
The Alzheimer’s Association has encouraged individuals facing such hardships to reach out at any time of day.
In response to the Kitzmillers’ case, Payne urged caregivers to seek help and explore new resources, including small stipends in some communities that allow them to hire temporary assistance.
“If it’s 3:30 in the morning and you don’t know what to do, call and get help,” she said. “We’re here to help people in their time of need.”
The 911 dispatcher who received William Kitzmiller’s final call had recently joined Ottawa County Central Dispatch just over a year before the incident.
Peter McWatters, the dispatch authority’s executive director, described the call as deeply impactful for the young dispatcher, explaining that while the call’s outcome was largely unavoidable, the experience left a mark.
“He was very direct in what he said he was going to do,” McWatters said.
He expressed sympathy for the dispatcher, stating, “You can’t take a call like that and not be impacted. … She handled it well.”
McWatters said he spoke with the dispatcher shortly after the incident, ensuring she had support following the traumatic call.
He commended her ability to remain calm and deliver vital information to the responding officers, although the situation ultimately ended in tragedy.
A memorial celebration for William and Donna Kitzmiller took place on October 4 at Klaassen Family Funeral Home.
The service included a tribute from Pastor Doug Bytwerk, and full military honors performed by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Memorial contributions in the couple’s honor were requested for the Harbor Humane Society, reflecting their lifelong love for animals.
For those experiencing suicidal thoughts or crises, support is available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which offers 24/7 assistance at 988 or via text by messaging “STRENGTH” to 741741.
Additionally, caregivers needing immediate support in managing Alzheimer’s care can reach the Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan at 800-272-3900.
