Leo F. Bittner

Leo Frank Bittner, 89, of Devils Lake, ND, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 12th, 2024, at CHI St. Alexius Health in Devils Lake.

Leo was born November 16, 1934, in Grey Township to John and Mary (Gartner) Bittner. He attended school in Grey Township Consolidated School until 1948. His parents moved to Clyde, ND, in the fall of 1948 and he graduated from Clyde High School in 1952. He attended Wahpeton College for Diesel/Gas Mechanics and Welding. He was drafted into the Army in April 1957 and was stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, where he worked as an aircraft mechanic. He was discharged in 1959, and returned to farm with his brother Ken. In 1960, he met the love of his life, Lillian Messner and they were married on November 10, 1960, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Langdon, ND. In the winters, he and his brother Ken ran the Polaris Shop in Clyde, which provided endless hours of snowmobiling fun for his kids. Leo loved to be involved in the community. He was a Hunter Safety Educator, Assistant Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 99, and served on the Munich School Board as president for 13 of the 19 years he was elected. They moved to Devils Lake in 1995 but he continued to help on the farm, and especially enjoyed running a combine in the fall. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for nearly 60 years, serving as both Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator. Leo was an avid gunsmith and skilled woodworker, and he created many works of art through the years. These hobbies fostered many friendships as he greatly enjoyed visiting and getting to know his clients.

Leo was a faith-filled man of high integrity and cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, Dad, grandpa, and great grandpa. He loved playing cards and taught many games to his grandkids. His little smirk and endless sense of humor will be missed by all. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Lillian, his children: Larry (Tracy) Bittner of Chesapeake, VA.; Dean (Heidi) Bittner, Devils Lake, ND.; Michele (Don) Schommer, Munich, ND.; Diann (Tim) Egeland, Grand Forks, ND.; Michael (Jennifer) Bittner, Thompson, ND. Grandchildren: Brian (Kaylah), Megan (Collin), Jessica (Grant), Nicholas (Rachel) Natalie (Nick), Eric (Kathy), Jared (Kirsten), Trevor (Emily), Kelsie (Kelly), Brittany (Ethan), Mandi (Keenan), Ashley (Owen), Kaden, Declan and Beckett and 25 Great Grandchildren. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Alvin (Catherine), Elmer (DeLoris), Helen (Nick Schottenbauer), Ken (Josie). 

Visitation will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Devils Lake, ND from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, Friday, September 20th with a rosary and prayer service to follow at 7:00 PM. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 10:00 am, on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, 

Gilbertson Funeral Home of Devils Lake, ND., is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Devils Lake Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund (www.nd-kofc-foundation.com).

Words cannot adequately convey our gratitude for the love, prayers and moral support shown to us. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the cards, beautiful sentiments, memorials, floral expressions, and food given to us in memory of Leo. God Bless You!