Elton L. Bittner   (MoMM 1/c V-b)

  PALM HARBOR, Fla.

  Elton L. Bittner, 86 of Palm Harbor, Fla., died Sunday, March 18, 2001 at Manor Care Health Services in Dunedin, Fla.

  He was born March 9, 1915, in Hersey to Ezra and Rosina (Bluhm) Bittner.  He attended grade school in Reed City and graduated from LeRoy High School in 1932.  He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945.  He was married April 14, 1947, in Dearborn to Elizabeth Szarzi.

  He had worked for the Chrysler Corporation in Detroit before retiring in 1974.  They had spent some time in Floria and at their home in Frankfort before moving to Florida year-round.  He had been an active member of the Kirk of Dunedit and had enjoyed making furniture and stained glass.  In Michigan, he had also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

  Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth; one sister, Lucille Bittner of Reed City and one nephew, Dan Bittner of Troy.  He was preceded in death by four sisters, Lottie, Laura, Lydia and Helena, and three brothers, Leonard, Lydias, and Loyal.

  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 23, at the McDowell Funeral Home with Pastor Dawn Pooley officiating.  Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery.  The family will greet friends at the funeral home one hour before the services.  According to the wishes of the family, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice, in lieu of  flowers.

March 9, 1915 to March 15, 2001