Robert E. Bittner

Robert E. Bittner, 96, of Albion, NE passed away Sunday, April 5, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society-Albion in Albion, NE.

In consideration of the COVID-19 restrictions currently in place, private family services will be held with burial at Rose Hill Cemetery in Albion. In the interest of social distancing and community health, there will be no public visitation. You are welcome to contact the funeral home for the family's contact information, or condolences may be left here.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Eugene Bittner, son of Frank and Alma (Barbeau) Bittner was born on March 5, 1924 on a farm west of Akron. He moved to the county "Poor Farm" with his family in 1933. Robert learned how to work as a child and kept that strong work ethic throughout his life. He wore overalls, picked corn and milked cows by hand. He farmed with a team of horses, then two row machinery; plowing, planting, cultivating, harvesting;  progressing with the times to mechanized bigger machinery and center pivots.

Robert walked or rode his horse to District 4 and Albion High School, graduating in 1942. He was united in marriage to Eileen Molt on March 21, 1948 in the Messiah Lutheran Church in Grand Island, NE. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Albion, NE. Robert built a new home in 1960 for his wife and family, daughter Janice and three sons Steven, Keith and Randall.

He lived a long and eventful life. He was a faithful husband and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was semi-retired in 1987 when he bought a little house in Albion just for the purpose of playing cards. He and his buddies enjoyed many a game there. Robert and Eileen moved to a new home in Albion in 2005, built by his grandsons. The love for farming remained with Robert and it showed as he raised a bountiful garden in town every year.

Robert is survived by three children: Janice (Merle) Klassen, Steven Bittner, Keith (Mary) Bittner all of Albion, NE; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Eileen, son Randall, brothers Darrell and Don; and sisters Frances and Marjorie Johnson.

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