BITKER, Charles F. 1879 - 1917

BITKER, THOMPSON

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 9/4/2014 at 00:29:57

SUDDENLY CALLED

The sudden death of Mr. Charles F. Bitker on Sunday night, April 22nd, was a great shock to his family and friends. He was supposed to be in rugged health, never experiencing a spell of sickness. He was operating the old home place of 360 acres a few miles north of Clear Lake. Charles was a hard worker and accomplished almost daily the usual labor of two men. The day of his death he had dragged about 60 of an oat field and in the evening complained that he was a little tired, but before retiring for the night played with his little girl, seemingly in good spirits and cheerful, having no premonition that death’s shadows were creeping about him and soon he was to cross the dark valley from which there is no return. After retiring he was taken suddenly ill, about 10:30 o’clock but did not think the attack warranted calling a physician, and asking for a drink of water, sipped a few swallows, laid his head on the pillow and life’s course was run.

The deceased was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Bitker, nine children blessing their union, five boys and four girls, one girl passing away and Charles the first of the brothers to be taken. He was born in Germany, October 5, 1879, age 37 years, 6 months and 16 days. He was married to Freda Thompson seven years ago, three children were born to this union, who with his father and mother, four brothers and three sisters, mourn his loss. The deceased was a man of good repute, industrious habits and highly regarded by his friends and acquaintances. The family have the sympathy of this community. Funeral services were held from his late home Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, conducted by Rev. Denney, pastor of Ventura U. B. church.

Transcriber’s Note – Charles F. Bitker was born October 5, 1879, died April 22, 1917 and was buried in the Clear Lake Cemetery.