Peter Bitzan was born in Millerville Township on June 22, 1895, the son of Frank and Mathilda Bitzan. He attended school and grew to manhood in this area. On June 28, 1921 he was united in marriage to Rose Turchin. Mr. and Mrs. Bitzan farmed in the Millerville area until 1968 when they moved to Alexandria, Minnesota. Mrs. Bitzan preceded him in death February 17, 1976. Mr. Bitzan was a member of the Seven Dolors Church at Millerville and the past eleven years of St. Mary's. Mr. Bitzan passed away at his home in Alexandria, Minnesota on Monday, May 28, 1979 at the age of 83 years.
Surviving are three sons and four daughters: Richard Bitzan of Millerville; Collete (Mrs. Cornelius Kraemer) of Alexandria; Evelyn (Mrs. Dale Peterson) of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; Bernard Bitzan of Alexandria; Rita (Mrs. Erwin Karger) of Brooten, Minnesota; Irma (Mrs. Clinton Foslien) of Barnesville, Minnesota; Leonard Bitzan of Alexandria; also surviving are forty-two grandchildren and forty-two great grandchildren, two sisters and two brothers: Alice (Mrs. James Loeffler) of Alexandria; Francis Kassube of Little Falls, Minnesota; Albert Bitzan of Millerville, Minnesota; and Joseph Bitzan of Millerville, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his wife, one brother and four sisters.
Rosary services were held at the Church of Seven Dolors, Millerville, Minnesota at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, 1979, Rev. Joseph Percic officiating; and at the Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria, at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, 1979, Rev. Arthur Hoppe officiating. Mass of Christian Burial was at the Church of Seven Dolors, Millerville, Minnesota, at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 31, 1979, Rev. Joseph Percic officiating. Interment was at the Seven Dolors Cemetery, Millerville, Minnesota. Pallbearers were Richard Bitzan Jr., Wayne Karger, David Bitzan, John Kraemer, Kevin Bitzan and Gregory Karger. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.
(Lake Region Press, 7 June 1979-contributed by kj #47962105)