David Elmer Bittner

Age 84, of Saint Paul, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 15, 2022.

Preceded in death by parents, Rev. Louis Otto and Irma (Behring) Bittner; brothers, Paul and Hillmar; sons, Steven and Mark; and daughter-in-law, Nadine.

Survived by his wife, Ruth (Reiter); daughter, Rachel and her partner, Daniel; grandson, Andrew and his partner Brittany; brother, Victor and his wife Ruth Ann, daughter-in-law Diane Kruger and her husband Rick, and many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

David was born in Tecumseh, Nebraska on December 27, 1937. His family moved to Ogallala, Nebraska in 1942 and then to Stewartville, Minnesota in 1948. He was the salutatorian and treasurer of his high school class, and was active in athletics, theater, band, and speech.

On July 12, 1959, he married the love of his life, Ruth Reiter from Plainview, Minnesota. They moved to Saint Paul where they raised three children, and where they called home during their 63 years of marriage.

David worked at the Minnesota Department of Transportation for 40 years as a highway technician in the Materials and Research Lab. He valued lifelong learning and studied at Concordia St. Paul, Mankato State, and Valparaiso. In his retirement he enjoyed auditing college courses and was dedicated to learning and teaching the Scriptures, leading Bible Study groups for many years.

David was very active in the church, both at St. Stephanus and Bethel Lutheran Church in St. Paul. He served as a Sunday School teacher, President, Elder, and sang in the choir.

David loved gardening, music, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.  He will be remembered for his kindness, patience, sense of humor, unconditional love, and as a remarkable man of strong faith.  

Funeral service 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 22 at St. Stephanus Lutheran Church, 739 Lafond Ave., St. Paul. Luncheon to follow. Visitation at the church 10-11 AM Tuesday. Interment Roselawn Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to St. Stephanus Lutheran Church at 739 Lafond Ave, St Paul, MN 55104 or Bethel Lutheran Church at 670 W. Wheelock Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55117.