Donna Bittner

Funeral Services: Will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Greenfield with burial at the Greenfield Cemetery. The family invites you to join them at a cookie reception at the church following services at the cemetery. Pastor Eugene R. Krueger will officiate the service. The Steen Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements. 

There will be no visitation on Friday. 

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Donna Bittner Memorial Fund. The donations will be used to benefit Donna's favorite following non-profit entities: Greenfield American Legion Auxiliary, Little Lambs Preschool, Immanuel Lutheran LWML, Mission Central, The Living Center, and Mary Montgomery Hospice. 

Donna Jean Bittner, daughter of Harold and Muriel (Roberts) Bochart, was born September 3, 1933 in Greenfield, Iowa. She passed away on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at The Living Center in Marshall, Missouri at the age of 88.

Donna was raised and educated in Greenfield. She graduated from Greenfield High School with the Class of 1951. She enjoyed serving on the Class Reunion Committee for many years.

Donna was a life-long member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. On July 27, 1952, Donna was united in marriage to Max Bittner at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Greenfield. To this union were born two children: Jackie and Jeff. The family made their home in Greenfield. Donna began her career with Adair County Abstract Company. She worked in a full-time capacity for Don Carlos Insurance Agency from 1963 to 1995. She continued to handle their pro-rate work on a part-time basis for many years. In addition, she worked with the Adair County Commission of Veterans Affairs for 36 years.

Donna was a member of Greenfield Mother's Club, Greenfield Business Women, LWML, and Adair County Hospital Auxiliary. Her dedication and volunteer work for the American Legion Auxiliary held a very special place in her heart. She held many local, county, and district offices, culminating with appointment as 7th District President in 1983.

Donna most enjoyed spending time with her family. She made every family gathering feel like a special celebration. Her grandchildren filled her heart with pride and joy and she loved sharing news about them and their accomplishments. Donna also enjoyed travel, genealogy, reading, Lawrence Welk, Big Band music, and Bible study.

Donna's legacy is not complete without mentioning her love of cooking and entertaining. She was a committee member of groups that published cookbooks including Immanuel Lutheran (Group5), Adair County American Legion Auxiliary, Seventh District American Legion Auxiliary, JC Weber Family, and Immanuel Lutheran 125th Anniversary. In addition, she served on the committee that prepared more than 100 funeral dinners. Donna loved baking cookies for family members and she knew each of their personal favorites.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Max; her parents; her brother, Ted; and seven Bittner sisters-in-law, Laverne, Lenore, Margaret, Mardelle, Lois, Opal, and Isabelle.

She is survived by her children Jackie Finnegan and husband, Jim of Marshall, MO; one son, Dr. Jeff Bittner and wife, Wendy of Ottumwa, IA; five grandchildren: Katelynne Freeman (Jonathan), Mackenzie Finnegan, Erica Bittner (Bryan Wakefield), Drake Bittner (Morgan), and Emily Bittner; great grandson, Maxwell Freeman; sister, Mary Kilburn and Dale of West Des Moines, IA; sister-in-law, Radine Ward of Creston, IA; many nieces; nephews; relatives and friends.