William (Bill) Bittner, 89, passed away March 15, 2025, at his home in Laramie, Wyoming surrounded by his family.
Bill was born in Painesville, Ohio but grew up in Madison, Ohio on the banks of Lake Erie and attended Elementary and High School in Madison. He was very involved in school activities, clubs, and sports (mostly football, basketball, and track). He took great pride in being a four-year letter winner in football. He also participated in Boy Scouts and reached the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 15. Living next to Lake Erie, he was very fond of the water and spent his spare time (winter and summer) by the Lake when he was not busy caddying at the local golf course. During his senior year of High School, he was appointed to Ohio Boys State.
Later, he attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Economics. While in college, Bill participated in football his freshman year before injuries took their toll. After graduation, he worked for the Diamond Alkali Company in Painesville. In 1957, he married (then later divorced) Barbara DeGroff whom he had met and dated in college. Together they had four children, Eric, Steven, Katherine, and Mark.
In 1958, the family relocated from Ohio to upstate New York, where Bill began his career in the insurance industry. His professional journey took him from Milwaukee to Denver, then to Casper, before settling in Laramie in 1970. It was there that Bill purchased the Bunn Agency and founded Bittner Insurance. In 1976, he was elected president of the Wyoming Association of Insurance Agents and served on the board of directors for many years. Over the course of his career, which spanned more than 60 years, Bill built a legacy in the insurance business.
In 1991, Bill married Sandra Warren, and they continued to run Bittner Insurance until it was sold in 1998. Together they continued to work in the insurance industry until Bill’s retirement in 2019. Outside of work, they shared a love for skiing, golfing, and taking cruises. Some of Bill’s fondest memories were the road trips he and Sandra took across the United States and into Canada to play golf. Bill also enjoyed traveling over the years to various states to support his children and grandchildren at their sporting events.
In addition to their travels, Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also treasured his weekly coffee gatherings with friends, where they shared stories and laughter. These simple pleasures brought him great joy and were an important part of his life.
As a devoted fan of the University of Wyoming, Bill was a member of the Cowboy Joe Club for several years and enjoyed attending both basketball and football games. He was also deeply involved in the Laramie community, contributing his time and efforts to organizations such as First Christian Church, Kiwanis, and serving as the first president of Albany County Crime Stoppers.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Val and Dora and an infant son Steven Val. He is survived by his loving wife Sandra, his sister Donna (Richard) Keyse of Ohio, his children Eric (Helen) Bittner of Lakewood, Colorado, Katherine (Tim) Rode of Larkspur, Colorado, Mark (Marce) Bittner of Laramie, step-daughters Toni (Shea) Abbott of Laramie and Traci (Randy) Rinker of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, his grandchildren, Ben Rode, Megan Treese, Mitch Sexton, Weston Abbott, Myles Bittner, Hannah Rode, Bailey Abbott, Adrianna Rinker, Madilyn Rinker and his great-granddaughters, Nora, Mazie and Taegan.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 2:00 pm at First Christian Church in Laramie. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice House of Laramie.
May he rest in peace knowing he was loved by many.
Sandy, we’re so sorry to hear about Bill. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I’ll always remember Bill calling our bunco get-togethers the Coyote Club! He will be missed. Sherry and Ed Goetz
Sandy, we’re so sorry to hear about Bill. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I’ll always remember Bill calling our bunco get-togethers the Coyote Club! He will be missed. Sherry and Ed Goetz
Kathy, Mark and family, I’m so sorry for your loss! Sending thoughts and prayers! Dee Afflerbach Swanson
Along with so many of us regulars at Home Bakery.....we always, always enjoyed Bills great demeanor and uplifting visits. Nicest guy I recall from those halcyon years in Laramie. John P., you so well honor Bill with that shared good memory of one of the best of us....the best of Laramie .......
Sandy and family, Bill and I enjoyed a fifty year long friendship and I feel so fortunate to have known him, a very “classy guy”. He contributed great conversations to our long standing coffee group and we had many laughs together. He will be missed by all of us. We will feel a large void and loss of a great person and friend. John Powell
Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Darlene Cesko
To all of Bills family, what an amazing man that shared so much caring for everyone. Always had a smile and how are you. Our prayers for comfort are being sent to all of you.
Sandy. Rich and I were so sad to hear of Bill's passing. May God comfort you like only He can. Bill leaves a big void and a wonderful legacy. You're in my prayers.
Dear Bittner Family- sorry to hear the news. Bill was a major father figure as I was growing up in Laramie. I am so thankful to have known him. My thoughts and prayers for all. Russ Ashenden
We sure enjoyed seeing Bill and talking about just about anything...he was a wonderful guy. Tom and Laura Gaddis
Sandy, we are so sorry. Linda and Tom Martin
Mark, It's always good to see you around town when we come back to Laramie for the summer. Fond memories of the Bittner's in the 1970's and 80' visit my mind at those times. I am saddened for your loss but I'm thankful for knowing you and your family. Ryan Fulton
Bill was an amazing, talented man. His love for his family was very evident. Our prayers are with all of you. You all have so many very special memories that will be told forever. God Bless all of you. Gary and Marilyn
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Mark and family I am sorry to hear of your loss. Sending my thoughts and prayers. Debbie Kennedy Pepper
I am so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I was one of the fortunate that knew Bill my entire life, as he and my father Gregg were great friends, ever since Bill moved to Laramie in 1970. He will be missed, but will never be forgotten. He was a truthful, honest man, with a wonderful smile and happy personality. All my best to the Bittner family in this most difficult time. Brad Jackson
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.🙏. Karlyce Newkirk
So sorry Sandra of hearing of Bill's passing. Every time I bumped into him or at the office he was always kind and engaging and ready with a bit of wit. He will be missed by his Laramie community.
Dear Sandy and family, Doug and I want to extend our deepest condolences. Bill will be missed by many. Hugs, Joyce and Doug Powell
Bittner family, please know you are in our prayers. The Dockter's