Ernest B. Bitler, age 83, of East 12th Street, Bloomsburg, died Saturday, February 9, 2013 in the Geisinger-Bloomsburg Health care Center where he was a resident since January 23.
Ernest was born on Saturday, June 22, 1929 in Bloomsburg a son of the late Chester and Hazel (Brown) Bitler. He graduated from the Bloomsburg High School in 1949.
For over forty years Mr. Bitler was the proprietor of the Bloomsburg Aquarium. He retired in 1991.
As a member of Christ United Evangelical Lutheran Church, Catawissa, Ernest served as chairman of the Renovation Building Fund for the church remodeling in the mid 1960's. He was also a charter member of the Bloomsburg Ambulance Assoc, a life member of the Bloomsburg Fire Co., Bloomsburg Firemen's relief association and was a past member of the Saddle Rock Rod & Gun Club. Ernest enjoyed woodworking.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years: Janet (Bergenstock) Bitler, a daughter Michele Edgar (David) of Bloomsburg, a son: Scott Bitler (Debbie Klinger) of Bloomsburg, three grandchildren: Brent Edgar of Catawissa, Ryan Edgar (Jennifer) of Bloomsburg and Joey Bitler of Bloomsburg, two great grandchildren: Aubrey and Blake Edgar. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister: Vonda Dove.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 12, at 11:00 am from Christ United Evangelical Lutheran Church, 116 Church St. Catawissa, with his pastor, Rev. Gretchen M. Johanson. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc. 745Market at Eighth St., Bloomsburg is assisting the Bitler family.
Friends and family wishing to send a memorial gift, share a personal memory or offer condolences to the family, a Memorial Tribute Page in Ernest's honor and Sympathy Store are available at www.Allen-FuneralHome.com .