Herbert Bittner

Herbert A. H. Bittner, age 86, of Harbor Beach, long time Elkton native died Tuesday evening, September 24, at Tendercare, Cass City.
He was born September 17, 1916, in Elkton at the home of his parents, the late Gustav and Edna (Errer) Bittner.
On October 11, 1937, he was united in marriage to Marietta Souva at Hewleton.
In 1943, he joined the US Navy and served his country in the South Pacific and Philippines during WW II. On his return, Herb owned and operated several businesses in Elkton, including Herb’s Bar (now Bud’s), the Elkton Dry Cleaners and the Elkton Bowling Alley, at various times. In 1979, he retired from Smith Distributing where he had been employed over 15 years. Two years later he and Marietta moved to a farm in Sigel Twp.
Herb was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Bad Axe, past president of the Elkton Rotary Club and Community Club. A charter member of the Sportsman’s Club, a founder of the Elkton VFW Post, village assessor for 21 years and served on the Elkton Village Council for many years. Herb was on the Elkton/Oliver Fire Department for 42 years, serving as chief for 28 years. He also showed free outdoor movies at many Thumb area towns during the late forties.
Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Marietta; his daughter Joan (Al) Hanson of Grindstone; four sons, Ron (Carol) Bittner of Bridgeport, Jerry (Crystal) Bittner of Anchorage, Alaska, Bill (Diana) Bittner of Elkton and Jim Bittner of Carlsbad, CA; fifteen grandchildren; Cindy, Kelly, Roxanne, Peggy, Stacy, Ron, Norm, Amy, Steve, Chris, David, Deidra, Dan, Ryan and Randi; 21 great grandchildren; his sister, Ina Holcomb of Augusta, GA; brother, Arnold Bittner of Saginaw and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his granddaughter, Cheryl Bittner; three sisters, Hilda Schmidt, Wilma Werner and Betty Lou Stensrud and four brothers, Larry, Walter, Alvin and Richard Bittner.
Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 PM Friday at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Bad Axe. Rev. Kenneth Lueke, pastor will officiate with graveside military honors by the Elkton VFW Post at Riverside Cemetery, Elkton.
Friends may call at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton from 2 to 9 PM Thursday and at the church after noon Friday. Memorials may be given to his church, the Oliver Twp. Fire Dept. Memorial or the family.