Obituary of Benny Bruce Bittner

Benny Bruce Bittner –

It is with great sadness that our family announce the passing of Ben on November 14, 2022, at the age of 69 years. Ben passed away after a brief courageous, gracious journey with cancer.

Ben was born November 21, 1952, in Shellbrook to Rudolph and Ottelia Bittner. Ben was the 5^th born of nine siblings. He was raised on the family farm in Yankee Valley district, eight miles south of Parkside. Ben attended school in Yankee Valley, Parkside, and Shellbrook. After graduating in 1970 he moved to Edmonton to work for his cousins Marvin and Art Bittner (Bittner Bros. Construction), which sparked his love for Construction. In 1980, Ben started his own company Ben Bittner Construction. Ben took great pride in the quality of his workmanship, attention to detail, and square walls. His career in construction lasted for 42 years until his health wouldn’t allow him to continue. Over the years Ben has often been called upon for advice and or to assist as a “building inspector” of homes for family and friends (potential buyers). Some of Ben’s employment was a building inspector, CMHC Prince Albert, Shellbrook IGA, Lake Country Construction, Spiritwood, driving rock trucks, welder’s helper, and laborer at Fort McMurray. Over the past few years, Ben enjoyed driving a combine during harvest time. Ben really missed being there this past fall, working and socializing with his harvesting family and friends.       

In his younger years, he loved playing ball and hockey, especially playing with Parkside Packers. He carried over his love of playing into coaching ball, ringette, and hockey, spending special time with his daughters, grandchildren, and friends. Ben was a little competitive, but mostly he wanted everyone to be their best. Ben taught his children the value of hard work and respect. He was so proud of his family, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ben was a special man “one of a kind”. We will miss Ben’s incredible smile, a twinkle in his eyes, mischievous sense of humour, advice, and the kindest heart so full of love.

On July 20, 1974, Ben married Betty Schapansky. Together they built a life and a family that has been full of love.

Ben is lovingly remembered by, his wife Betty Bittner; his daughters, son-in-law’s, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; Regan Bittner (Sheldon Jupe) and family, Jordan Bittner and his daughters Kallia & Charlee; and Chase Wutzke; Candice Benson (Leeland) and family, Hadley, Javon, and Tyne Benson; Brynn Bittner (Clint Tiringer) and family, Payton Sanders and Jake Sanders; his siblings, Ernie (Vicki) Bittner; Edith (Murray) Dahl; Baverley (Bill) Loth; Norma (Bob) Beck; Sharri (Curtis) Mortensen; Debbie (Murray) Kvinlaug; Rick Bittner (Danny Barkhouse); his brothers-in-law, David Moe; Milton (Paulette) Schapansky; his sisters-in-law,  Marlene Rausch; Diana Schapansky; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Ben was predeceased by, his parents Rudolph & Ottelia Bittner; his granddaughter, Kayla Schmalz; his sister, Vivian Moe; his parents-in-law, Jake, and Margaret Schapansky; his brothers-in-law, Milen Schapansky and William Donald; his sisters-in-law, infant Darlene Schapansky and Audrey Donald.

The Celebration of Life for Ben was held on his birthday, November 21, 2022, at the Shellbrook Community Hall with Pastor Chris Dean officiating. The eulogy was read by Ben’s daughters, Regan Bittner, Candice Benson, and Brynn Bittner. There was a private family graveside service held prior to the Celebration of Life, where the pallbearers were Ben’s grandchildren, Jordan Bittner, Payton Sanders, Hadley Benson, Jake Sanders, Javon Benson, Chase Wutzke & Tyne Benson.

“I’ll not be far, I promise that, and hope you’ll always know that my spirit will be close to you, wherever you may go Thank-you for loving me. You know I love you, too. That’s why it’s hard to say goodbye and end this life with you.”

In lieu of tributes, memorial donations may be made in memory of Ben to either the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com     

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home & Crematorium, Tammy Smart, Funeral Director, Shellbrook, SK. 306-747-2828.