Wendell David Bitzer

Wendell David Bitzer, 76, of Greencastle died Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009 at his home.

He was born June 1, 1933 in Greencastle, the son of Orville and Alma Crabtree Bitzer. He was a 1951 graduate of Greencastle High School and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956 during the Korean War. He retired from IBM after 32 years of service. He was a member of the Fillmore United Methodist Church, American Legion and VFW.

Mr. Bitzer married Marlene Twomey on Aug. 17, 1953, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 6, 1989. He married Wanda Ensor Sutherlin on Nov. 28, 1992, and she survives.

Survivors include his children, Dr. Lisa Mondale (Keith) of Wheaton, Ill., Lorie Zandi (Dave), of Peru and Kevin Bitzer (Teresa) of Sadieville, Ky.; his stepdaughters, Debbie Hassler, Diane Drawbaugh (Pat) and Janet Dwigans (Art), all of Greencastle and Marcia McHie (Rich) of Indianapolis; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bob Bitzer of Ft. Myers, Fla. and Morris Bitzer of Evansville.

His parents and brothers Bill and Eugene preceded him in death.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday at Forest Hill Cemetery in Greencastle. Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Marlene Bitzer Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Putnam County Community Foundation, 2 S. Jackson St., Greencastle, IN 46135.