George Bittmann

FUNERAL SERVICES : 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Two Inlets, MN with Father Thomas Friedl officiating.VISITATION : One hour prior to the service.INTERMENT : St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Two Inlets, MNSURVIVORS : His wife for these past 53 years, Vicky of Park Rapids; his son, Daryl (Andrea) Bittmann of Minneapolis and daughter, Deann (Tom) Baumann of Holland, MI; his three grandsons: Chad, Daniel and Christopher and his four precious great grandchildren: Nicholas, Eva, Hans and Gavin; his six siblings: Darlene Dowling of Coon Rapids, Donald (Judy) Bittmann of Park Rapids, Lois (Curt) Holte of Andover, MN, Lillian (Grant) Schmaus of Ponsford, MN, Marilyn (Larry) Allison of Coon Rapids and Ray (Bonnie) Bittmann of Anoka, MN. GEORGE A. BITTMANNDecember 29, 1936 " December 31, 2012 George A. Bittmann, age 76 of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of St. Louis Park, MN, peacefully entered the Gates of Heaven on Monday, December 31, 2012 following a valiant battle against cancer at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga, MN with his loved ones at his side.George was born on December 29, 1936 to Oswald and Agnes (Gartner) Bittmann on his parent"s farm near Two Inlets, Becker County, MN. It was in this same area that he began his public school education in a small one room school house. As he grew older, George went on to attend school in Park Rapids where he graduated from high school with the Class of 1955. In 1957, George ventured to Minneapolis where he began a life long career driving truck. The first job he landed was with the Black Top Service Company of St. Louis Park where he spent 17 years learning the ins and outs of paving driveways and parking lots with asphalt. On April 18, 1959, George was united in marriage to the love of his life, Victoria A. Moos. This union was blessed with two children: Daryl and Deann. The young couple made their first home in St. Louis Park where they raised their children. After investing 17 years of his life with the Black Top Service Company, George began working for the City of Minnetonka where he worked another ten years. In the early 1980"s George started his own paving company called, G.B. Blacktopping. He enjoyed working with his son, Daryl in the early years of his company, paving 300 or more driveways per year. In 1997, George and Vicky retired to their farm north of Two Inlets, MN. Even in his retirement, George continued to stay busy with his labor of love on the farm and driving truck. Throughout his life time, George loved to travel with his wife. They especially enjoyed their trips to Australia, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. They also traveled to every state of the Union except for Alaska. He loved the out doors; especially, when he could be deer hunting with family and friends. George also enjoyed spending winter days out in his spearing house. He enjoyed buying and selling old tractors and was a skilled cribbage player. George was active in his community. He was a faithful, long time member of St. Mary"s Catholic Church of Two Inlets where he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. George was also a member of the Antique Tractor Club. Above all, George loved being at home on his farm, nurturing the land and spending time with his family who he loved with all his heart.George will be lovingly remembered by his wife for these past 53 years, Vicky of Park Rapids; his son, Daryl (Andrea) Bittmann of Minneapolis and daughter, Deann (Tom) Baumann of Holland, MI; his three grandsons: Chad, Daniel and Christopher and his four precious great grandchildren: Nicholas, Eva, Hans and Gavin; his six siblings: Darlene Dowling of Coon Rapids, Donald (Judy) Bittmann of Park Rapids, Lois (Curt) Holte of Andover, MN, Lillian (Grant) Schmaus of Ponsford, MN, Marilyn (Larry) Allison of Coon Rapids and Ray (Bonnie) Bittmann of Anoka, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Leroy.Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 A.M. on Saturday, January 5, 2012 at St. Mary"s Catholic Church in Two Inlets with Father Tom Friedl celebrating. The organist will be Mary Schmitz and the St. Mary"s Choir will lead the music. The casket bearers will be: Daniel Bittmann, Christopher Bittmann, Greg Bittmann, Don Dowling, Ed Eischens and George Schmaus. Interment will be made in the St. Mary"s Catholic Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held beginning one hour prior to the service at the church. St. Mary"s Church will host a lunch for family and friends following the service. Memorials are preferred to: St. Mary"s Catholic Church, 55744 County Highway 44, Park Rapids, MN 56470 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.