Mary Bitzer
October 3, 1926 ~ January 27, 2015
Mary J. Bitzer, 88, Gettysburg, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at the Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 31, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg with Father Jerry Kopel, celebrant. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday January 30, 2015, with a 7:00 p.m. wake service, all at the church.
Mary Josephine Baus was born October 3, 1926 at Hoven, SD to William and Gertrude (Flock) Baus. She attended grade school and high school in Hoven. Mary continued her education at Northern State Teachers’ College in Aberdeen where she obtained her teaching certificate. She taught in the Hoven and Tolstoy area country schools.
On February 18, 1950 she was united in marriage to Vincent H. Bitzer at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hoven. They made their home in Tolstoy where Mary kept very busy raising their 8 children. She also worked as a substitute teacher and substitute mail carrier & postmaster. On December 17, 1977 Mary was appointed as the Tolstoy Postmaster and she remained in this position until September 02, 1988 when she retired.
Mary and Vincent remained in Tolstoy until 2004 when they moved to Gettysburg. In April 2013, they entered the Oahe Manor. Vincent passed away on January 28, 2014 and Mary remained in the Oahe Manor until her passing.
Mary enjoyed spending her spare time: bowling, playing golf, doing crosswords and jumbo puzzles, playing scrabble, and quilting. She was also a great cook and baker and loved to share all of this with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she treasured spending time with. Mary was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the National Postmaster Association and the Legion Auxiliary.
Mary’s life will be cherished by her children: Lexie (Dennis) Hilmoe of Coon Rapids, MN, Mary Lynn (Ken) Brown of Gettysburg, Kathy Rost of Springfield, OR, Jim (Kathy) Bitzer of Seneca, Bob (Kathy) Bitzer of Denver, CO, Liz (Rick) McGuire of Lake Preston, Tom (Kari) Bitzer of Loveland, CO and Michelle (Rick) Vogel of Gettysburg; 25 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; one brother, Dick (Carol) Baus of Redfield and one sister-in-law, LaVonne (Philip) Vik of Sioux Falls.
She was preceded in death by her husband Vincent in 2014; her parents; son in law, John Rost; two grandchildren: Jared and Jeffrey Bitzer and eight siblings.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Mary’s arrangements.
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Liz & Rick & families,
My deepest sympathy to all on the passing of Mary. I remember her from our Postmaster meetings in Aberdeen. A nice lady.
May God keep you in His care.
Judy Ann Barnard
Postmaster Retired, Tulare
Sorry to hear of your mothers passing. We have many good memories of your mother.
Hugs and prayers to Mary’s families. I remember how gracious Mary was when I became a neighboring postmaster. She was First Class, effervescent, professional and respected by all. Sympathies to you all.
Mary was always such a sweet and fun lady. I know she will be missed by you all and our prayers are with you.