Bernard "Bernie" Bitzan

Bernie Bitzan, age 88, of Alexandria, died Friday, May 22, 2015. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria. Entombment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM Friday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria with parish prayers beginning at 4 PM. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. OBITUARY Bernard “Bernie” N. Bitzan, 88, of Alexandria, Minnesota, died on Friday, May 22, 2015 at his home. He was born on September 17, 1926 to Peter and Rose (Turchin) Bitzan of Millerville. Bernie grew up on the family farm and attended Brandon High School. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps on his 18th birthday and was deployed to Germany. Bernard worked at Runestone Electric Association from 1948 to 1989. Bernie began as a laborer with REA and was trained as a lineman. He helped bring electrification to many of the farms and residences in Douglas County. Later, Bernie worked as a sub-station maintenance manager, superintendent, and Operations Manager at REA. Bernie was married to LaVerne Anderson of Brandon in September 1948 until her death in August 1956. Three years later he married Bonnie Squier of Alexandria. They resided in Alexandria and eventually settling near Lake Andrew with their children. Bernie was a member St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Alexandria. He was also active in the community as a member of the Catholic Aide, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and VFW Honor Guard. Bernie loved attending polka fests and dancing the days away with Bonnie. He belonged to the Heartland Polka Swingers and Polka Lovers Klub of America. Bernie was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed spending the days in the woods, fishing, trap shooting, hunting, cutting wood, making homemade syrup, apple juice, jams, and wine. He also loved going to auctions and garage sales, and the Dalton Threshermen’s days, and other festivals. Bernie was a very active grandpa giving tractor, snowmobile and four-wheeler rides to the grandchildren and enjoyed teaching them to fish and hunt. Bernard Bitzan was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, LaVerne; infant son, Daniel; sister, Irma Foslien; and brothers, Richard and Leonard Bitzan. Bernie is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Alexandria; children, Kevin Bitzan of Wadena, Becky Nohre and husband, Mark, of Alexandria, Brenda Bitzan of St. Paul, Curt Bitzan and wife, Jodi, of Alexandria, Doug Bitzan and wife, Paula, of Milaca, Janice Puckett and husband, Reese, of Lakeville, and Wanda Lillemoen of Shakopee; grandchildren, David Nohre, Scott Nohre, Kayla Nohre, Nick Bitzan, Starsha Froberg, Ashley Iverson, Aaron Bitzan, Jacob Warren, Cassy Warren, Mitchell Bitzan, Rachel Bitzan, Ethan Puckett, Ella Puckett, Brianna Lillemoen and Brayden Lillemoen; great-grandchildren, Brock Zastrow, Blake Nohre, Reed Nohre, Sophia Nohre, Sadie Nohre, William Bitzan, Joseph Froberg, John Froberg, Daemon Warren and Alex Warren; sisters, Collette Kraemer of Alexandria; Evelyn Peterson of Detroit Lakes; Rita Karger and husband, Ervin, of Brooten; and sister-in-law, LaVern Bitzan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria. Reverend Father Steve Binsfeld will be the celebrant. Entombment will be in the church cemetery. Casket bearers include all of Bernie’s grandchildren. Honorary casket bearers include all of Bernie’s great grandchildren. Military honors will be accorded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936, American Legion Post 87, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 235 and the Minnesota National Guard. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.

Bernard "Bernie" Bitzan

September 17, 1926 - May 22, 2015