Alfred “Bud” Bitzer, 97

A memorial service for Alfred “Bud” Bitzer of Williams will be held on Saturday, April 16, at the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Williams, MN at 1:00 p.m. with lunch to follow at the Williams Senior Center.

Bud Bitzer, the son of Charlotte “Lottie” (Hannah) and Benjamin Bitzer was born on January 27, 1914 in Fisher, MN.  He graduated from Williams High School in 1932.

On December 19, 1937 Bud married Stella Halvorson at her parents’ home in Thief River Falls, MN.  Bud worked construction in Unalakleet, Alaska, he was a farm laborer for some time, and managed the Farm Bureau Service Station in Williams, MN.  He then moved to St. Louis Park, MN and worked at Honeywell in the Twin Cities area as a carpenter.  He retired from Honeywell in 1977.  They spent nearly 25 winters in Ajo, Arizona following his retirement and a couple years in Texas.

Bud enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, playing cards, and gardening (flowers and vegetable).  He and Stella, also, liked to dance. Bud always had a smile on his face and liked to make others laugh. He made many toys for his children and grandchildren in his spare time over the years.  One toy that is cherished by many in the family is a rocking horse that the great-grandchildren still use today.

Bud is survived by his wife Stella, children, Rolan (Gloria) of Big Fork, MN, Charlotte TeHennepe of Leonard, MN, Bruce (Sheila) of Shakopee, MN, Hal of Williams, MN, Lee of Amherst, Virginia, Keith (Robin) of Baudette, and Colleen (John) Stanton Jr. of Williams, MN; brother Les Bitzer of Washington State; thirty grandchildren, forty-six great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren; sons-in-law, Alfonzo Welch of Maryfield, MN, and Wayne Young of Williams, MN.

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughters Marcia and Sharyn, son-in-law Dale TeHennepe, and siblings, Earl, Roy, Willard, Lillian Harding, Laverne Harding, and Mabel Anderson.

Alfred Bitzer passed away at the Lakewood Health Center on March 31.  He was 97 years old.