Joseph F. Bitzan was born in Millerville, Minnesota on August 21, 1893, the son of Frank and Mathilda (Mielke) Bitzan. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church of Millerville, Minnesota and attended rural grade school in Millerville Township.
On November 7, 1922, Joseph was united in marriage to Barbara Hockert in Millerville, Minnesota. After their marriage the Bitzans lived and farmed in Millerville Township.
Mr. Bitzan died on Tuesday, August 26, 1986 at the St. Williams Nursing Home in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota where he has been a resident for the past five months. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Philip (Odilia) Roers of Millerville, Minnesota; four sons, Arnold, Nicholas, Cletus and Clement all of Millerville, Minnesota; twenty three grandchildren, forty four great grandchildren, and two sisters, Mrs. Frances Kassube of Little Falls, Minnesota and Mrs. James (Alice) Loeffler of Alexandria.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara in 1982, two grandchildren, Susan Roers Ranney and Ronnie Roers, two great grandchildren, his parents, four sisters and three brothers.
Parish Prayer Service was held on Thursday, August 28, 1986, 8:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, August 29, 1986, 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Millerville, Minnesota with Father Eugene Lemm officiating. Pallbearers were Gregory Roers, Kevin Roers, George Bitzan, Benedict Bitzan, Dennis Bitzan and Kenneth Bitzan. Interment was at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Cemetery, Millerville, Minnesota. Services directed by Petermeier's Alexandria Funeral Home, Alexandria, Minnesota.
(Lake Region Press, 4 Sept. 1986-contributed by kj #47962105)