Mary E. Bittner

Mary E. Bittner, 67, of Albion, NE passed away Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the Boone County Health Center in Albion, NE.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m.,Wednesday, May 11, 2021 at St Michael's Catholic Church in Albion, NE with Fr. Mark Tomasiewicz officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion, NE.  Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

Memorials are suggested to the Boone County Ambulance garage, C/O Boone County Foundation, PO Box 151, Albion, NE 68620.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Elizabeth Bittner, daughter of Anton Joseph and Beatrice Ann (Mannlein) Majerus was born on January 20, 1955, at the Antelope Memorial Hospital in Neligh, NE.  She attended rural grade school near Petersburg and graduated from Petersburg High School in 1973. Mary then attended Grand Island School of Business.  She worked at Kelly Supply in Grand Island, NE.

On May 15, 1976, Mary was united in marriage to Keith Bittner at St. John's Catholic Church in Petersburg, NE.  They lived and farmed south of Albion.  In addition to helping out on the farm and taking care of their home, Mary worked for the Boone County Extension Office and was a teller at the Albion National Bank.  In 1993 they started Subway in Albion and later owned 2 other locations in Central City and Neligh. She quickly excelled and was recognized as Franchisee of the year in the mid-1990s. Mary owned and ran the business until 2009 where she made many lasting friendships with her employees.   She continued to work by helping Keith on the farm offering rides and delivering warm meals to the field.  In 2020 Mary and Keith became residents at Running Water, SD where they enjoyed new friendships at their cabin.

Mary was a member of the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Albion, NE.  Some of Mary's other enjoyments were gardening, canning, sewing, cooking, and baking.  She loved being outdoors in nature, camping, fishing, boating, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  Just recently Keith and Mary started a challenge contribution fund for a new ambulance garage for the Boone County Health Center, in appreciation for the care that Mary received there.

Mary is survived by her husband Keith; three sons: Bryan (Hollie) of Niobrara, NE; Brandon (Lacey) of Fullerton, NE; Brad (Shauna) of Albion, NE; 5 grandchildren: Aidan and Landon Bittner; Grant, Jaida, and Jase Bittner; siblings: Jane (Ray) Schoenauer of Norfolk, NE; Helen (Steve) Borer of Seward, NE; Bill (Laurie) Majerus of Petersburg, NE; Carol Iltzsch of Omaha, NE; brother-in-law Don Simpson of Aurora, CO; sister-in-law Janice Klassen of Albion, NE; brother-in-law Steve Bittner of Albion, NE; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Anton and Beatrice Majerus; sisters: Susan Majerus, Martha Simpson, and Nancy Balk; brother Harold Majerus; parents-in-law Robert and Eileen Bittner; brothers-in-law: Randy Bittner, Merle Klassen, and Terry Balk.