Richard Bitzan

Richard Bitzan, Sr., 85, of Millerville, died on February 5,2008, at the Douglas Co. Hospital with his wife and family by his side. Richard was born on June 24, 1922, the son of Peter & Rose Bitzan in Millerville Twp. He completed eight years of education at a small country school. As a young man he helped his dad with the family farm and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also the lead of a family band called the ?Western Ramblers?. Richard was married to LaVern Ritten on June 18, 1946. After raising their family and farming for forty years, they retired to their new home west of their farm. Mr. Bitzan served on the Millerville Town Board as Treasurer, for forty years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, league trap shooting, traveling and especially playing cards. He also enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Richard is survived by his wife, LaVern of 61 years; sons: David (Florence), Richard Jr. (Jean), John (Kathy), Francis, LeRoy (Melissa); daughters: Kathleen (Leon) Revering, Marian (Jim) Dorn, Donna (Arthur) Dorn, Sharon (Mark) Thoennes; many grandchildren and great grandchildren, sisters: Collette Kraemer, Evelyn Peterson, Rita (Erwin) Karger; brother, Bernard (Bonnie); sister-in-law, Pat Bitzan. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, Karen; infant granddaughter, Anne; brother, Leonard; sister, Irma;brother-in-laws: Cornelius Kraemer and Dale Peterson. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, February 9, 2008, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church with Father Eugene Lemm officiating. Honorary Pallbearers were his grandchildren. Pallbearers were Darby Bitzan, Brian Revering, James Dorn Jr., Donna Kay Schnitzler, Dale Bitzan, Randy Bitzan. Burial was at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Cemetery in Millerville. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.