Karl C. Bittenbender

ORANGE- Karl Claude Bittenbender, 87, died on November 18, 2025, at his home in North Orange, MA with friends by his side.

Karl was born in Washington, DC and grew up in Arlington, VA, where he met Doris Hovgren who later became his wife of 58 years until she died in 2021.

Karl attended the University of Idaho, served in the Navy on the Observer and then attended the Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary.

Karl has been a part of the town of Orange for 60 years, first arriving as pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church.

After his time at Bethany, Karl worked in rural housing improvement, energy conservation, the chamber of commerce, Shawmut Bank and a small business accounting support company.

Around his jobs, Karl undertook deep involvement in the community, elected to the school committee, participating in North Quabbin Citizen's Advocacy, serving on the Randall Pond Industrial Corporation and the Orange Economic Development Corporation.

He was treasurer and served on the board of Quabbin Harvest Food Coop and was a Stinking Organizer for the Garlic and Arts Festival.

He volunteered and served on many other boards and committees as well.

Karl has a living sister, Joanne ("Josie") Bortree, who lives in Pennsylvania. He was pre-deceased by his younger brother Allan Hoschna Bittenbender.

Karl and Doris raised two children, Sheri Lynn Aggarwal, who is married to Rajesh Aggarwal and lives in Reading, MA, and Kevin Nels Bittenbender, married to Peggy Bittenbender who live in Alstead, NH. Kevin and Peggy's children are Gustave Hovgren Bittenbender, Beatriz Catherine Bittenbender and Georgia Doris Bittenbender.

The family is planning a memorial service at the Orange Town Hall, 6 Prospect Street, on December 6 at 3 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Quabbin Harvest, 12 North Main Street, or North Quabbin Citizen Advocacy, P.O. Box 362, both in Orange, MA 01364, or Lutheran World Relief, P.O. Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21297-1061

Peace to you all.

Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

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