HOISINGTON — Eugene H. Bitter, 83, died Feb. 22, 2015, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. Born March 30, 1931, on the family farm near Susank, he was the son of Julius and Emilie (Schmidt) Bitter.  A lifetime resident of Hoisington, Eugene was a farmer, stockman and fisherman.
He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where he was on the Church Council for many years. Other memberships include the School Board District No. 62, TWSP Board Wheatland, Barton County Soil Conservation District for 21 years, Rural Water District for 12 years, Fieldman for ASCS for 14 years, and Wheatland TWSP Road Grader for 30 years.
On Nov. 18, 1951, he married Virginia Luerman in Susank. She died March 17, 2011.
Survivors include a sister, Ruth Howard and husband D.D. of Ransom; sister–in-law, Irene Bitter of Great Bend; nieces and nephews, Kenneth Bitter, John Ochs, Tom Ochs, Leonard Ochs, Marlene Hord, Hardy Howard, Randy Killian, Rick Killian and Renae Baker.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Harry Edwin Bitter, and two nephews, Fred and Greg Bitter.
Friends may call noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday with family to receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. A prayer service will follow at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1101 N. Vine, Hoisington, with Pastor Laura Smith officiating.  Interment will be in Hoisington City Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home.  
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
415 N. Main; P.O. Box 416
Hoisington, KS, 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 25, 2015