Marilyn J. Bitter

1934 - 2025

Marilyn J. Bitter Fort Atkinson, WI - Marilyn Jean Bitter (nee Sprengeler), age 90, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, was called home to heaven on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Marilyn was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on December 18, 1934, to Arthur and Gladys Sprengeler. She became a child of God through her baptism on January 13, 1935, and was confirmed in her faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Paul on March 21, 1948.

After graduating from Wilson High School, Marilyn attended Lutheran Hospital of Milwaukee School of Nursing, graduating in 1956. That same year, on June 17, she married her loving husband, Rev. Donald Bitter, at St. Lucas Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. She supported him in his ministry as pastor at Good Shepherd in Fond du Lac, St. Lucas in Kewaskum, and during their many years at St. Paul's in Fort Atkinson. Together, they raised 8 children nurturing them in the Christian faith and keeping Jesus at the center of their lives.

Marilyn loved sewing, quilting, and refinishing furniture - each project showed her care and patience. She enjoyed baking and sharing her sweet treats with many. She faithfully served her church through Ladies Aid, Altar Guild, Choir, and other ministries, and valued her time volunteering at Twice Is Nice resale shop. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, brother, and friends, and cheering for all Wisconsin sports teams. But her greatest joy was time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Don, and her daughter Lynne (Henrich). She is survived by her brother Ron Sprengler; her children, Bruce, Al (Cindy), Ann, Jon (Polly), Jeff, Dave (Stacy), Mary (Jon) Bilitz; 24 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

A Christian funeral will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson on Friday, October 24, at 10 am with lunch following in the fellowship hall. Visitation will begin at 9 am prior to the service.

Marilyn trusted in Jesus as her Savior, and we rejoice that she is at rest with Him. Her body will be committed to the earth at St. Paul's Lutheran cemetery in Howards Grove, Wisconsin, there to await the resurrection to life eternal.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Shorehaven and Brighton Hospice for their compassionate and loving care.

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or Twice Is Nice resale shop.

"I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" -John 11:25

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com