Parke C. Bittner, 62, of Rochester, Minnesota passed away on September 20, 2024, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He was born on August 1, 1962, in Omaha, Nebraska and was adopted by Victor and Jacqueline Bittner. Parke and his wife Bonnie were married on August 14, 1982.
Parke is lovingly remembered by his wife Bonnie Bittner, his children Jamie Wentworth (Spencer Larson), Megan Bittner (Robert Doty) and Christopher Bittner. And by his grandchildren (Madyson, Rylee, Jared, Payton, Gunnar, Emily, Caleb, Evelyn and Chloe). Also, by his father Victor Bittner (RuthAnn) and his siblings Victoria Holder, Michelle Ruehmann, Matt Bittner (Jenny), Jon Bittner (Lindsey), Diana Erickson (Scott), Larry Siekawitch (Elizabeth), his stepmother-in-law Judy Cuthbertson, Greg Vacura, Rod Vacura (Laura), Andy Vacura and Martin Siekawitch.
Parke is preceded in death by Gary Siekawitch (brother-in-law), Jack Siekawitch (father-in-law), Jacqueline Bittner (mother) and Joyce Erickson (mother-in-law).
Parke enjoyed hiking at Quarry Hill and Whitewater, spending time outside, and gardening. He loved going to concerts, listening to music, and spending time with his family. Parke and his family took many road trips through Yellowstone; also visiting Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and Wall Drug. Parke loved laughing and making others laugh too. He enjoyed watching live streams of the latest and greatest structures being built as well as his favorite national parks and anywhere he could dream of going. Donuts were his favorite food group! 😊 He had a passion for Christmas and celebrating Jesus. His Christmas decorations included his famous Christmas village and Christmas lights he put up everywhere for everyone to enjoy. Parke loved wearing his Christmas sweaters and loved sharing his collection with his children.
We will be having a celebration of life on October 2, 2024, at 10 am at Wedgewood Park, 3rd Avenue SW, Plainview, Minnesota. Please join us if you can. He was the most genuine, generous and caring man of God. He will be greatly missed.
I am one of Parke’s cousins that he had found in recent years searching for his birth family. Little did we know we both lived right here in Rochester for years and years, as well as several other cousins located near Rochester. We truly enjoyed welcoming him and Bonnie into our family.
I wish I would have know him years ago, I truly enjoyed getting to meet him and Bonnie and learning about his life and getting the chance to tell him about his other family. We enjoyed a few times getting together, sharing a meal and a few hours of laughs learning about our lives and welcoming Parke and Bonnie into our family!! Parke had such a kind and wonderful soul! Parke had a wonderful smile and such a zest for life!! So full of life and love !
I truly wish we could have meet years ago as family so we would have had more time to together, so that we could have told Parke more about his extended families history.
I will miss him dearly. I am keeping all of you in my Thoughts and Prayers! You are all a part of my family forever!
You cousin
Barb Beyer
Parke was so genuine and so unique! Jeff and I will always remember his legendary Christmas village displays and how much he loved to share them with us. Every time I think of Parke, I remember how tall and slim he was and how he consequently bumped the water container spigot to turn it on at a friend’s house when he bent over to pick up something that had dropped on the floor. I still see it in slow motion and can’t help but smile when I think of it – we all had such a good laugh! Rest in peace to our wonderful friend and brother, Parke ❤️
I first met Parke when we both worked at Bachmans in Rochester. I will always remember our shared love for plants. We then became in-laws by marriage. Parke was such a breathe of fresh air every time I was around him. His infectious smile and true joy of life. Heaven is rejoicing and I am sure Parke is in charge of the gardens and setting up the Christmas decorations. ❤️
Dear Bittner family please accept the condolences from some Costa Rican friends who were fortunate enough to cross paths in life with one of Parke children; Megan.
We never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bittner, but there is not doubt that he was a great person since his daughter is very special friend for us. In addition to sharing the passion for beautiful traditions such as Christmas decorations.
Milagro, Miah and Eduardo Barboza are praying for the whole family.
Warm hugs from Costa Rica.