Jean M. Bittner

Jean M. Bittner, 91, of Albion, NE, passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society in Albion, NE.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Albion, NE, with Rev. Carolann Hopcke officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Albion, NE Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Boone County Health Center Cancer Management and Rehab.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion is in charge of arrangements.

Jean Bittner, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and lifelong educator, was born on December 11, 1933, in Spalding, Nebraska, to William V. and Arnolla F. (Hinze) Stromp. She attended Boone County country schools District #58 and #39 before continuing her education at Wheeler County High School in Bartlett and later graduating from Spalding Academy with the Class of 1952.

Following high school, Jean pursued her passion for education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kearney State College and later a Master of Arts in Elementary Education with a Media Specialist endorsement from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Her commitment to education and to the students she served was evident throughout her distinguished career.

On April 14, 1955, Jean married Richard "Dick" Bittner at Zion Lutheran Church in Albion, Nebraska. Together, they built a home filled with faith, love, and laughter. Jean dedicated her life to teaching, inspiring generations of students across Boone, Wheeler, Greeley, and Madison Counties.

Faith played a central role in Jean's life. A devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church in Albion, she served faithfully in the Women of the ELCA, held the office of Treasurer, and was active in many church committees and activities.

Jean was also deeply involved in professional organizations, including Delta Kappa Gamma and Phi Delta Kappa. She was a proud member of NSEA and NEA, and served as President, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Boone County Education Association. Jean was also a Delegate to the NSEA Assembly, a member of the NSEA IPD Commission, and an active participant in the Elkhorn Executive Committee.

In her later years, Jean found great joy in spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She loved to travel, work crossword puzzles, and lend a helping hand wherever one was needed.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Kim (Tracy) Coakes of Albion, NE; granddaughters Lacey (Shaun) Keeshan of Holdrege, NE, and Sara (Cody) Rasmussen of Albion, NE; great-grandson Grady Keeshan and great-granddaughters Kelby and Kessa Rasmussen; sister: Mary Katherine Jumps of McCook, NE; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Dick Bittner; and her sister, JoEllyn Keeler.