Donna J. Bittner

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

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Greenfield with burial in 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 Steen Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements.

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

Donna was raised and educated in Greenfield. She graduated from Greenfield High School with the Class of 1951.

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 to1995. She continued to handle their pro-rate work for many years. Donna 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 loved to cook and entertain. She was a committee member of groups that published six cook books. 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 (Jim) of Marshall, MO; Dr. Jeff Bittner (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 (Dale) West Des Moines, IA; sister-in-law, Radine Ward of Creston, IA; many nieces; nephews; relatives and friends.