Gerhard 'Gil' H. Bittner

Gerhard “Gil” H. Bittner, age 94, of Hyde, passed away Monday morning, October 22, 2018 at his home. He was born on March 17, 1924 on the family farm in Hyde, the son of Herman and Anna (Franzkowski) Bittner. He married the former Lois Johnston on December 28, 1945 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hyde. Together, the couple shared nearly 73 years of marriage and raised 3 daughters. Gil and his wife, Lois, owned and operated a dairy and beef farm in Hyde for several years. He also worked for his brother, Einie, in the woods for most of his life. Gil and Lois enjoyed being outdoors in the woods and each year would cut fresh balsam to make Christmas wreaths. At the young age of 20, Gil became a member of the Highland Golf Club and enjoyed the game of golf throughout his lifetime. He was also a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hyde where he served on the church council for many years. Gil loved spending time with his large family and was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Gil H. Bittner is survived by wife, Lois Bittner of Hyde; daughters, Linda McInerney of Escanaba, and Laurel (Darryl) Starnes of Bark River; grandchildren, Richard (Mara) McInerney, Tracy (Jim) Rathe, Robert (Tracy) McInerney, Michael McInerney, Jodi (Jesse) Greenfield, Jessica (Brad) Mason, Sarah (Brad) Nault, Ward (Tiffany) Zeno, Nick (Kayla) Starnes, Hannah Starnes, and Kyle Starnes; 21 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Gil was preceded in death by daughter, Donna Zeno, son-in-law, Ward T. Zeno; step-father, Fred Kositzky; brothers, Reinhold Bittner, and Gerald Kositzky; sister, Hildergard Bittner; 11 step-brothers; and 3 step-sisters.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, October 27, 2018 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hyde. Funeral services celebrating the life of Gil will follow at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, with Pastor Ronald Zindler officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the funeral services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in West Ford River Cemetery. 

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