Gene Bittner, 83, of Sauk City, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, in his childhood home, with his loving wife and family by his side.

Gene is survived by his wife, Jean; and his children, Lori Taylor-Richard (Rhett Richard) and Dan Bittner (Deb Guyer). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Wade (Roberta), Zac (Lacey), Dustin (Katey), Dakota (Amber), and Amber (Luke); his great-grandchildren: Mya (Hunter), Liv, Max, Dex, Law, Camden, Hudson, Madden, Evelyn, Emerson, Jae, and Audra.

He now joins in eternal rest his son Leonard Bittner, his parents Lloyd and Agnes, and his son-in-law Robert Taylor.

Gene was born on June 10, 1942, in Madison, WI, to Agnes (Walch) Bittner and Lloyd Bittner, the youngest of four children. He grew up on his family farm, where he learned the value of hard work at an early age. On January 2, 1960, Gene married his high school sweetheart, Jean Hughbanks, beginning a 66-year love story. Gene had multiple jobs to support his family, but his heart was that of a farmer. In 1974, Gene and Jean moved their family to Ladysmith and purchased two farms. In 1984 their family moved back home to Sauk City and took over his family farm, carrying on its more than 100-year legacy.

A proud husband, father, and grandfather, Gene's greatest joy in life was his family. He was always thinking of his children and grandchildren, living his life for them. A true mama's boy, no one ever questioned his love and respect for his mama. Known for his love of history, he always had a fun fact or story for the dinner table. Gene was also known for watching his westerns, always having them on the television

A visitation will be held for Gene at Hooverson Funeral Home, 251 Water St., Sauk City, WI on Tuesday, December 2nd, from 9:30 am until 11:15 am, followed by an 11:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Norbert's Catholic Church, Roxbury.