In loving memory of

Edward W. Bittner
July 8, 1941 - July 6, 2017

Edward W. Bittner, 75, of Fort Dodge, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at Trinity Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 11, at 10:00 AM in the Chapel of the Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home and 10:30 AM at Corpus Christi Church, with Rev. Patrick Behm, officiating the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Corpus Christi Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Ed is survived by his wife Nancy; children Todd (Chris) of Omaha, Melissa (Mike) Ziegert of Adel, Jeff (Joy) of Kansas City, and Traci (Ian) Dragoo of Des Moines; and eight grandchildren, Savannah, Natalie, Olivia, Abby, Luke, Ryan, Noah and Piper.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Jane (Prazma) Bittner.

Ed was born July 8, 1941, in Fort Dodge. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School and then attended and graduated from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake. On April 24, 1965, Ed married Nancy Cavanaugh at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. The couple made their loving home on their farm north of Fort Dodge. Following his passion, Ed farmed and raised cattle all of his life. He was employed by Iowa Central Industries for many years, retiring in 2000. He found joy in spending time with his family and grandkids, who adored him. He loved watching racing, from dirt tracks to NASCAR, and enjoyed his annual trips to the Daytona 500 with Todd and Jeff.

Ed will be fondly remembered for his generous nature, his ability to fix most anything and his four-wheeler rides. He always put his family first and took pride in being a provider.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Tributes

Jim Gochenouer wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"I just learned of this and am saddened by the passing of Ed Bittner. I met Ed while attending Ft Dodge Jr College in 1960-1962. We double dated a few times. I enjoyed stopping by the Bittner farm, about 2 miles south of where he used to live as a child, and surprise him with a brief visit. I haven't stopped by now for quite a number of years, although I do ocassionally pass by while driving ambulance with patients bound for Trinity Hospital. We are preparing for our 50th wedding anniversary, and Ed was a groomsman in our wedding, so I was looking up info about those who participated, and that's how I discovered that he had recently passed away. I know he'll be missed. He was a good friend."

Melissa Fagan wrote on Jul 11, 2017:

"Nancy,Todd, Chris and family, my sister Maureen notified me of Ed's passing. We send prayers for your family. Melissa and Dennis"

Tony Peck wrote on Jul 10, 2017:

"Nancy, Todd, Chris and Family, So very sorry to hear of Ed's passing. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. May the many joyful family memories of a life well lived help ease the pain. Gods Peace. Tony, Kirsten and Devin"

Pat Joiner wrote on Jul 9, 2017:

"Nancy, it's been many many years since we've seen each other but when I saw Eddie's death notice in the Fort Dodge Messenger I wanted to offer my sympathy. I am sorry that you and your family are going through this and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Pat Aure Joiner"

Nancy Young wrote on Jul 9, 2017:

"Nancy and Family, You have my deepest sympathy and prayers in the loss of Ed. I will be thinking about all of you and asking the Lord to give you great courage as you adjust to your loss. Nancy Young "

Margaret Stock wrote on Jul 9, 2017:

"Nancy and Family, So sorry to hear this news. Know that all of you are in my prayers and thoughts. Margaret Stock"

Pat Davidson wrote on Jul 8, 2017:

"Dear Nancy and Family, I was so sorry to hear of Ed's death. Know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Pat Davidson"

Sue Franklin wrote on Jul 7, 2017:

"Dear Nancy and all the Bittner Family. We are shocked and so very sad to hear that Ed died. He was a gentle man, who always had a warm, welcoming smile and a kind word for everyone. May the lifetime of wonderful memories with Ed provide you comfort in the days ahead. Love, Sue and Scott Franklin"

Pegi Cavanaugh wrote on Jul 7, 2017:

"Best hugger ever....loved his humor....LOVED HIM.... heart is breaking.........Pegi Cavanaugh"