Melvin Bitter

Melvin R. Bitter, 90, of Howards Grove, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, December 18, 2017 at Harvest Home. Melvin was born January 13, 1927, in Town of Herman, to the late Hugo and Laura (Muesegade) Bitter. He served his country in the United States Army for 13 months and in the Army Reserves for six years. Melvin started his career as a butcher for Johnsonville Sausage as well as in the field of farming. From there, he moved into the field of being a general contractor, building many local homes. In 1950, he married the former Janet Woepse. Together, they had four children that they raised on the family farm. Melvin was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Howards Grove. He enjoyed many different hobbies, including cards and dominos, wood carving and polka dances. He was known to his family and friends as a jack of all trades repairman.
In addition to his wife of 67 years, Janet, he is survived by two children, Sue (Bob) Kober, Howards Grove and David (fiancée Robin Edler) Bitter, Howards Grove; daughter-in-law, Coreen Bitter; six grandchildren, Lisa (Brian) Wiercinski, Jason Bitter, Tanya (Jason) Schnell, Jeremy (Jenny) Bitter, Brian (Tiffany) Bitter and Brittnee (Tyler) Truttschel; three step-grandchildren, Stephanie Kober, Robert II (Patience) Kober and Brian (Felicia) Kober; fourteen great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Myra Luebke. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two children, Gary Bitter (longtime companion, Jill Drews) and Gene Bitter. Three brothers, Milton (LaVerne), Delbert (Evergene) and Norman Bitter and two brothers-in-law, Henry Luebke and Wayne (Mary Lou) Woepse.
A funeral service with military honors will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church (441 Millersville Avenue, Howards Grove) with Rev. Aaron Mueller officiating. Friends may call on Tuesday, December 26, at Zimmer's Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center (Hwy 42 & JJ, Howards Grove) from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, at the church, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery. Please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Melvin's name.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the loving staff of Harvest Home and Heartland Hospice as well as Rev. Aaron Mueller.