Lois F. Bittner

Lois F. Bittner, age 96, of Hyde, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. She was born October 8, 1926 in Escanaba, the daughter of Charles and Jane (Kuula) Johnston. The former Lois Johnston married Gerhard “Gil” Bittner on December 28, 1945 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hyde and he preceded her in death on October 22, 2018. Together, the couple shared nearly 73 years of marriage and raised 3 daughters. Lois and Gil owned and operated a dairy and beef farm in Hyde for several years. The couple also enjoyed being outdoors in the woods and each year would cut fresh balsam to make Christmas wreaths. Lois was an avid golfer, a member of the Highland golf Club since 1943, and was the past Ladies Club Champion. She was also a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hyde. Lois loved spending time with her large family and was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved attending the grandkids sporting events and all of the players loved her as a grandma.

Lois is survived by 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 (Tyler Wells), and Kyle Starnes; 25 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Rita Dickson of Escanaba; brothers, Lanny (Barb) Johnston of Casa Grande, AZ, and Terry (Nancy Johnston) of Escanaba; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Lois was preceded in death by daughter, Donna Zeno; son-in-law, Ward T. Zeno; sister, Sally Howell; and brother Craig Johnston.

A Celebration of Life Social Gathering in honor of Lois will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 20, 2023 at the Highland Golf Club. Funeral services celebrating the life of Lois will take place at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 21, 2023 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hyde with Pastor Ronald Zindler officiating. Burial will take place following the funeral services in the West Ford River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established by the family at a later date.

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