Bellevue Leader, IA, Thursday, December 30, 1915

Mrs. Louis Bittner Dies Suddenly
Beloved Wife of Our Mayor Expired Wednesday of Diabetic Coma

The news of the death of Mrs. Louis Bittner, beloved wife of the mayor of Bellevue, which occurred Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock was a great shock to the family and to the entire community. While Mrs. Bittner had been in poor health for four years from diabetes, she appeared to be feeling unusually well of late and spent Christmas with her daughter, Mrs. Clara Prandy and family in Dubuque. She returned from that city Monday evening suffering from a cold, and her physician advised her to remain in bed. She partook of a heavy dinner Wednesday but during the afternoon her condition became serious and the end came peacefully as above stated, her death being attributed to diabetic coma, all the members of the family being at her bedside when the final summons came.

Mrs. Bittner, whose maiden name was Mary G. Niemeyer, was born May 5, 1854, at Cincinnati, Ohio, being therefore 61 years of age. She came to Guttenberg in 1855, and was married in that city, February 27, 1876, to Louis Bittner, who with three sons and three daughters survive, namely: Mrs. Clara Prandy, and A. C. Bittner of Dubuque, Mrs. George Zentner, Grover J., Chester and Rhoma of Bellevue. She is also survived by two brothers, G. H. Niemeyer of Guttenberg and Chas. C. Niemeyer of Los Angeles and two half-brothers and two half-sisters, all living in California. She also leaves three grandchildren.

Mrs. Bittner had been a resident of Bellevue since 1881. She was always ready to lend a helping hand in time of need - both in acts of kindness and in words. She was devoted to home and family, a faithful member of the church, and just as faithful in believing that it was her duty as a Christian to do the will of her Master at all times. Much has been taken from this husband and children; sweet ties have been severed; but much is left. The Christian's hope and fadeless memories are still theirs.

She was a member of the Holy Rosary Society and the Co-Workers, and was always found active in every good undertaking.

The funeral will be held Friday morning at 9:00 o'clock from St. Joseph's church, with internment in the Catholic cemetery. As a mark of respect it is suggested that all places of business be closed during the hour of the funeral.