James A. Bitzan

James “Jim” A. Bitzan, 79 year old resident of Onamia, MN passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, February 14, 2014 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Onamia, MN. Burial will be in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 13, 2014 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Onamia, MN and 1 hour prior to Mass on Friday. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia. Jim was born to Albert and Caroline (Ledermann) Bitzan on May 8, 1934 at the family farm on Lake Moses in Millerville, MN. His childhood was full of opportunities fishing, hunting, and the many chores and challenges of farm life. He Graduated from Brandon High School, Brandon, MN, in 1952. After high school he attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN. He enlisted in the US Army in October of 1953 during the Korean War. He was proud of his service to his country. After his honorable discharge in October of 1961, he was employed by Honeywell. In April, 1958 he was hired by the DeZURICH Corporation in Sartell, MN, where he worked until 1972. On June 6, 1959 he married the love of his life, Carolyn Mae Hockert. Their life together started out in St. Cloud, MN and then Sartell, MN. In 1972 they moved to Onamia, MN and opened Bitzan’s Bait and Tackle Shop. Jim worked occasional construction jobs and drove launches on Mille Lacs Lake when business was slow. In 1991 they sold the shop and moved to the home they built and currently reside. Jim worked for Grand Casino Mille Lacs for several years until his retirement. He was a member of the Sartell School Board; the Mille Lacs Search and Rescue Organization; the Lions Club; the VFW; and most dear to his heart, the Knights of Columbus (a faithful 4th degree Knight). Jim was very active in his church, Knights of Columbus, and his home business producing Jingle Reels “Jingle Meter” and his “Gabby Grabber” goose calls. He cut wood and went hunting and fishing until health issues would no longer permit. In the past month he was diagnosed with Leukemia and forged ahead with treatment and prayer. But sadly, a serious complication arose unexpectedly. At 1:03 AM on February 8th, 2014 James was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven. Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carolyn, seven children, Monica (John) Ostrowski, Thomas Bitzan, Theresa (Guy) Anderson, Deborah (Collin) Crotty, Dianne (John Wilson), Angela (Kevin) Kail, and Micheal Bitzan; Two brothers, Edward, Charles (Sue); One sister, Bernadine Schiele; brother-in-law, George Dorn; fifteen grandchildren, Laura, Kate, Jessica, Steven, Daniel, Jordan, Jamie, Christopher, Sara, William, Ryane, Kaylene, Brandon, Peter, and Anna; One great grandchild, Mason; Many much loved in laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Irene, Margaret, Dorothy, and Florence; brother, Robert. three brothers-in-law, Leander Stariha, Phillip Schmidt and Willie Schiele.

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James A. Bitzan

May 8, 1934 - February 8, 2014