HOISINGTON — Harry E. Bitter, 85, fell asleep in Christ on Sept. 23, 2014 at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington.
He was born Nov. 26, 1928 on the farm in North Barton County, the son of Julius  and Emilie  (Schmidt) Bitter.
He married Irene C. Deutsch Nov. 21, 1948 at St. John Lutheran Church, rural Susank. Harry was a third generation farmer in northern Barton County. He also worked as a mechanic for the Dodge and Plymouth Dealership in Russell, and as an oil field pumper for Vess Oil and other various local oil companies. Harry was a lifetime Barton County resident.
He was a former member of the St. John Lutheran Church and a current member of the Concordia Lutheran Church, He taught Sunday School for 60 years at both St. John and Concordia Lutheran Churches.  He also served as an elder, a youth leader and served on many other boards within the churches.  
Harry was employed part time for the Union Township Board operating the road grader, and also serving on the Union Township Board. He was also as a probation counselor for Barton County.
Survivors include his wife Irene C. Bitter, of the home; two sons: Kenneth Bitter and wife Cindy of Powell, Ohio, Greg Bitter and wife Heather of Hoisington; one sister: Ruth Howard of Ransom; one brother: Eugene H. Bitter of Hoisington; grandchildren, Josh Bitter and wife Kelly, Kurt Bitter, Cole Bilbrey, Sydnie Bilbrey, Shaelynn Bitter, Zachary Bitter, Trey Bitter; and two great grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Lucas Bitter.
He was preceded in death by a son, Fredrick J. “Fred” Bitter.
The funeral service is 10:30 a.m. on Friday at Concordia Lutheran Church in Hoisington. The prayer service is at 7 p.m. Thursday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with
The Rev. Mark Lovett officiating. Interment is at Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington. Visitation is 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Prayer Service will be at 7 p.m., Thursday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Fund: Concordia Lutheran Church or Angel’s Care Home Health, Russell, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*
Box 146
Hoisington, KS, 67544
Great Bend, (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 25, 2014