Gilbert J. Bittner, 82, Merrifield

August 7, 1932 - December 28, 2014

Gilbert J. Bittner, 82, of Merrifield, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2014 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, January 2, 2015 at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake. Family and friends are invited to gather Thursday evening from 6-8 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Crosslake with Parish Prayers at 7:30 PM and gather at the church one-hour prior at the church on Friday. Interment will be held Mission Cemetery.

Gilbert was born August 7, 1932, in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Ernest and Marie (Pischke) Bittner. He was raised in Brooklyn Center and graduated from Patrick Henry High School. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps and served for two years in combat during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge he married Janet Saari in Golden Valley on June 6, 1953. The couple made their home in Plymouth where Gilbert furthered his education and worked for Honeywell before beginning a career in real estate and construction. They moved to Mission Township in 1973 where Gilbert worked with his son Brian in the home construction business.

Gilbert enjoyed gardening and woodworking. He also liked to ice fish and play cards. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Brian (Ann) Bittner, of Naples, FL, Laurie (John) Majka, of Nisswa, and Kathy (Erik) Lee, of Breezy Point; brother, Frances Bittner; sister, Ida Mae Schmaucher; grandchildren, Jason, Matthew, Lyndsay, Katie, Allen, Megan, Patrick, Kameron, and Karter; 14 great-grandchildren; and his two beloved dogs, Snookey and Bailey. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard.