This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: TCMitten Surnames: Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.shawano/16574/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Duluth News-Tribune (MN) - September 18, 1998 Deceased Name: LYDIA ULRIKE WILHELMINA BITTNER Lydia Ulrike Wilhelmina Bittner, 82, of St. Louis Avenue, died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1998, in St. Mary's Medical Center after suffering a series of strokes. She was born to Lutheran missionaries in Erechim, now Getulio Vargas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, on Aug. 6, 1916. Upon returning from Brazil, Lydia completed her formal education at Lutheran schools in Bonduel, Wis., and Arlington, Minn., and Bethany High School in Mankato, Minn. She completed nurse training at Swedish Hospital and became an RN in 1940. Between 1940 and 1953 she worked as a private nurse at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Lutheran Camp in Menagha, Minn., and West Side Hospital in New York City, was head nurse of surgical and pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville and was school nurse at Bethany High School Junior College and Seminary in Mankato. Lydia married Victor Bittner in October 1949 and moved to Duluth in 1953. When her two boys were born in the mid-1950s, Lydia set her beloved nursing career aside to become a full-time wife, wonderful mother and dedicated homemaker. She returned to nursing from 1976-1979 as night RN at Lakeshore Lutheran Home, Duluth. Lydia was a member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church and its sewing club. Lydia was best-known for her volunteerism and service to a variety of groups and organizations over the years. Lydia was active in St. Mary's Hospital, Faith Haven Rest Home, Chester Park Elementary, Makato Red Cross, College of St. Scholastica, Garden Club, AARP, Swedish Hospital Alumni Association, ''Push Husbands Through'' Society in Nashville, United Way, Lakeshore Lutheran Home volunteer board of directors and many activities at church that were well-known and appreciated. In 1990, Lydia and Victor received the Northeast Minnesota ''Success Over 60'' award for volunteerism with Senior Options North. Perhaps Lydia's most appropriate tribute was from Gherie Bridges of Lakeshore Lutheran Home. ''A listing of their positions and committees simply doesn't do them justice, as it cannot begin to describe their caring attitudes, their humility and the many ways they express their love. Generosity seems to be second nature to them.'' She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. John Busch and Linda Schneider; her stepmother, Laura Hoffmann Busch; an infant brother who died in Brazil; an infant sister, Dorothy Busch; her sister, Ruth Buetow; and her granddaughter, Ashley in September 1991. She is survived by her husband, Victor E.F.; sons Jon V. (JoAn) of Crookston and James B. of Duluth; brothers Luther (Audrey) Busch of Cecil, Wis. and Paul (Dorothy) Busch of St. Paul; sisters Cordula (Raymond) Jensen of Bonduel, Elsie (Richard) Gruenewald of Bonduel and Esther (Irv) Gartland of Stevens Point, Wis.; and grandchildren Emily, Ehren, Katie, Allison and Benjamin Bittner of Duluth, and Mark, Ryan and Paul Bittner of Crookston. ''Auntie Buschy'' had a great love for her family, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, Godchildren, dear friends and work/volunteerism. Those who knew her could not help but be touched by her glow, interest, devotion and affection. Her life and memory will truly live with those with whom she shared that life and her endearing love. Visitation: 9 until the 10:30 a.m. service Monday in Mount Olive Lutheran Church. Burial in St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Arlington Township, Minn., with visitation from 9:30 until the 10:30 a.m. graveside service Tuesday in St. John's Lutheran Church. Memorials appreciated in lieu of flowers. Arrangements by Bell Brothers Funeral Directors, Jarvi-Dowd Chapel, 925 E. 4th St. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.