Johann Conrad Bitter (1879 - 1955)

Born 21 Mar 1879 in Lauwe (Jablonowka), Russia

Ancestors

Husband of Katharina Elizabetha Bitter — married 2 Nov 1899 in Lauwe (Jablonowka), Russia

Died 13 Jan 1955 at age 75 in Fresno, CA

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Kenneth Ruby [send private message]

Biography

Johann Bitter was a Volga German.

Johann Bitter has German Roots.

Reverend Johann Conrad "Preacher" Bitter was the pastor of the Wartburg Lutheran Church in Fresno, CA.

Obituary: From Fresno Bee, 13 Jan 1955 Rev John Bitter, Retired Pastor, Succumbs at 75. The Rev John C Bitter, of 603 E. Street, the pastor of the Wartburg Lutheran Church for 33 years until his retirement last June, died today in his home following a long illness. The Rev Bitter was born in the Volga colony, a German settlement in central Russia, and was a farmer and a sergeant in the Russian Army before coming to America in 1912. He attended college in South Dakota and later was graduated from a Chicago theological seminary. He held pastorates in Oklahoma and Portland, Oregon, before coming to Fresno in 1923. During his service the congregation increased from 50 to nearly 400. At the time of his retirement, he was the oldest minister in point of service in Fresno. The Rev Bitter is survived by his widow, Katherine of Fresno, a son, Victor of San Diego, four daughters, Mrs Mary Draper of San Jose, Mrs Lydia Teeter of Fresno, Mrs Emma Gilliland of Oakland, and Mrs Clara Bodenschatz of Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, 16 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. The funeral arrangements will be announced by Easley's Funeral Home.

Sources

• Bitter, Johann, "Thelma Ruby Steinhauer Collection," by Kenneth Ruby
• Bitter, Johann, wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com, "volga german colonies - kanton kukkus"