William Bitter

Bitter, William D.

It is with profound sorrow that the family of William D.B Bitter, age 62, of rural Cleveland, announce his passing, surrounded by his loving family, after his courageous struggle with Melanoma for two and a half years, on Saturday October 20, 2012.

He was born in Sheboygan on November 22, 1949, a son of the late Milton and LaVerne (Hasche) Bitter. Bill attended school in Howards Grove, and graduated from Howards Grove High School in 1967, later attending Lakeshore Technical College. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Schaetzer on December 4, 1971.

Bill started his agriculture career in sales with Ralston Purina. Bill and Barbara purchased a farm in 1972 where the couple farmed and raised hogs until 1985. He continued working with the Country Visions Cooperative as a chemical applicator until retiring in October 2011.

A retired member of the Haven Firefighters, he was also a 4H leader with the Herman Cheerios. In his younger years, Bill was a founding member and tuba player with the Polka Kings. He enjoyed listening to classical music, watching old Western movies, and raising poultry and peafowl. He enjoyed history in general and was a Civil War and World War II buff.

Bill's family fondly remembers his creative inventions as something that "only Dad could think of". Bill had a huge and generous heart. He was a loving man who adored his wife, children and their spouses, and his six grandchildren.

Surviving Bill is his loving wife Barbara; three daughters, Sara (Mark) Weber of Madison, Jessica Bitter (Husband Matthew Russart) of Town Mosel and Rebecca (Matthew) Gartman of Town Wilson; six grandchildren, Max, Sam, Sophie, Audrey, Henry and Holden. Also surviving are two brothers, Frederick (Kay) Bitter of Cleveland, Dennis Bitter of Cleveland; two sisters, Cindy Bitter of Cleveland and Jackie Filipiak of Town Wilson; his in-laws, Jeffrey (Celine) Schaetzer, Kevin (Debbie) Schaetzer; his nephew, Chad (Jessica) Schaetzer and his niece, Nicole (Travis) Ardell; his aunts and uncle, Melvin (Janet) Bitter, Evergene Bitter and Myra Luebke, step-brothers and step-sisters.

In addition to his parents, Bill was also preceded in death by his step-mother, Wilma (Albrecht) Bitter, his brother-in-law, Michael Filipiak, uncles and aunts.

A Funeral Service will be conducted for Bill on Thursday October 25, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Zimmer's Westview Funeral & Cremation Care Center, W2132 Garton Road. Reverend William Kesting will officiate, preceded by memorial honor ceremony conducted by the Haven Fire Department. Interment will follow at St. Wendel Cemetery in Cleveland. Friends may call on the family Wednesday October 24, 2012 at Westview from 4 until 7 p.m. and on Thursday from 9 until time of the service.

Bill's family wishes to thank Dr. Matthews and his staff at Matthews Oncology, Dr. Dean Mancheski and his nurse.

A memorial fund has been established to the Sheboygan County 4-H in the name of William D. Bitter.

Please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com for online condolences.