Greg Bitker

Greg Bitker, age 61, of Redwood Falls, Minnesota, died with family at his side on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the CentraCare – St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Milroy, Minnesota. Interment will be in the church cemetery, followed by a reception back at the church. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2025, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Milroy, Minnesota. The afternoon will begin with a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and the evening will conclude with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to his service, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, again at the church. Please dress casually - formal dresses, jackets, and ties are discouraged! In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials, trees, plants, etc. Thank you.

Gregory Charles Bitker was born on June 22, 1963, in Tracy, Minnesota. He was one of eight children born to Merlyn and Jeanette (Schneider) Bitker. Greg grew up on a family farm near Milroy, Minnesota. He attended school in Tracy and then Milroy, where he graduated with the class of 1982. Greg went on to further his education in Canby where he learned welding.

Greg moved to Colorado and traveled the country as an over-the-road welder until 1998. He took a job with Mor Pork in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. A couple of years later he was married to Janet (Holcsher) Johnson and the couple blended their families in Redwood Falls. He and Janet spent over 24 years together prior to a divorce last year.

Greg next took a position with Artex Manufacturing in Redwood Falls and has spent the last 17 years there as a welder and fabricator. He enjoyed the agriculture industry and getting to know many people through his career. Greg could visit with anyone about anything, often for long periods of time. He loved to strike up a chat and genuinely get to know others; both his sense of humor and lively personality consistently drew people in.

He was a faithful member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Redwood Falls and was active in the Knights of Columbus. Greg was devoted to his family and spent many hours supporting them as a dance Dad/Grandpa, a basketball fan, and he went to many rodeos as family competed. He also volunteered extensively with his church and traveled with the youth program as a chaperone. Greg's other enjoyments in life included time spent on the farm, tinkering with his hands, woodworking, traveling, fishing, boating, hunting with his muzzle loader, and camping (especially the bonfires). He also had a strong affinity for Christmas lights and the time spent with family around all holidays.

Following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Greg died with family at his side on Friday, March 21, 2025, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He had reached the age of 61 years, 8 months, and 27 days. Blessed and eternal be his memory.

He is survived by his daughters, Brandee (and Nathan) Boeckermann of Holdingford, Shawna (and Tyler) Lovato of Minneapolis; mother, Jeanette Bitker of Milroy; 5 grandchildren, Bayle Johnson, Lilly Boeckermann, Hallie Boeckermann, Mylee Boeckermann, Kyleigh Boeckermann; his beloved springer spaniel, Rex; 6 siblings, Barb (and Wally) Paradis of Balaton, Gary (and Cheryl) Bitker of Milroy, Kathy (and George) Noller of Livermore, CA, Steve Bitker (and Tammy Idso) of Milroy, Connie (and Eduardo) Rodriguez of Tracy, CA, Tom Bitker of Wabasso; 3 grand-dogs, Athena, Lexie, Dasher; 4 grand-cats, Sammy, Baby Girl, Ninja, Little One; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Greg was preceded in death by his father, Merlyn Bitker, and a brother, James "Jim" Bitker.