Thomas R. Bittner, age 77 years of West Bend, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2017 at Aurora Medical Center of Hartford.

Thomas was born on May 9, 1939 in Fond du Lac to Raymond and Ruth (nee Hughes) Bittner. He was raised in Waupun and graduated from Waupun High School as class President 1957. He then graduated from UW Madison in 1961 with a teaching degree. Tom was a teacher in Colorado, California and Neenah, WI. Tom was a Reading Specialist, Forensic and Drama coach at Silverbrook Middle School until his retirement. He was awarded the Middle School Teacher of the Year for his excellence in teaching, his work in drama and forensics and his dedication to the children he taught. He loved to watch plays, listening to classical music, watching old movies, and also enjoyed collecting political buttons. Tom was an extremely caring, patient and loving person who found the positive aspect in everyone and all situations. He was always focused on helping others when he could. Tom was a member of Fifth Avenue Methodist Church of West Bend.

Tom is survived by his sister Jane (Michael) Steinke and significant other Karen Scharinger. He is further survived by his nieces Amy Steinke and Rachel Steinke, great nieces and nephews: Brooke, Brayden, Brent, Peyton, Colin, Nick, Mackenzie, Christian, Quinn and Mason, many close friends, co-workers and neighbors. Preceded in death by his parents and great niece Brianna.

A Memorial Service will be at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Fifth Avenue Methodist Church (323 S. 5th Ave., West Bend) with Pastor Clarissa Martinelli presiding. Visitation will be at the CHURCH ONLY on Wednesday, February 8 from 10:00 am until time of service (12:00pm). Memorials are appreciated to the Parkinson Association (2819 W. Highland Ave. / Milwaukee, WI 53208) or the charity of your choice.

A Special Thank You to Karen Scharinger for her loving and caring relationship with Tom through the years, John and Jane Taylor, Jim and Barb Sperschneider and many others. We apologize for not being able to mention everyone, there are too many! He loved and respected you all!