Velda Bittner

Velda Patricia “Pat” Bittner, age 85, of Siren, WI, passed away Friday evening, July 22, 2016, at Willow Ridge Healthcare in Amery, WI, surrounded by her family. Pat was born April 7, 1931, in New Auburn, WI, a daughter of the late John D. and May E. (Babcock) Sheffield. She attended local schools there, and was a 1949 graduate of New Auburn High School. Pat studied at the University of Wisconsin (UW) – Madison and then UW-River Falls, majoring in Psychology. While at River Falls, she met her future husband, Bill Bittner. On March 6th, 1954, Pat was united in marriage to Bill Bittner in Prairie du Chien, and to that union three daughters were born. In 1963, the family moved to Siren where Bill taught school and Pat was employed for many years as the receptionist at the medical clinic. Pat was a long-time member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren. She sang in the choir and was regularly involved with the church’s quilting endeavors. An excellent seamstress, Pat sewed clothing and also quilted for herself and her family. She received a lot of pleasure being outside, admiring nature, and tending her flower gardens. Pat also had a great love for music and enjoyed attending concerts. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; a brother and his wife, S.R. & Ione Sheffield; and a sister and her husband, Peggy & Harold James. Pat is survived by her three daughters: Gretchen Garibay, Aleta Anderson and her husband, Bradley, and Anna Bittner and her husband, Peter Madsen; grandchildren: Luie Garibay, Kelsey (Adam) Bailey, Madeline Anderson, Ezra Madsen, and Alonzo Madsen. Also surviving are nephews and nieces: Jeffrey & Helen Sheffield, John & Deb Putnam, and Tony & Sue Rangel. The memorial service honoring the life of Mrs. Pat Bittner will be conducted at 11:00am (visitation 10:00 to 11:00am), Monday, August 8, 2016, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren, with Pastor Paul Peterson officiating. Music is being provided by pianists: Julie Strang and Jamie Fockel; vocalist, Terry Muus; quartet: Rex Erickson, Rick Kosloski, Kent Lindquist, and Jim Muus; and instrumentalists: Aleta Anderson, Brad Anderson, Madeline Anderson, Adam Bever and Jeff Roy. A fellowship luncheon will follow the service. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swewdberg-taylor.com