David "Dave" C. Bittel

Dave graduated from Eastern High School in 1950. He was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Korean War as a chaplain’s assistant at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Aurora, Colorado. Following his military service, he earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in counseling from Michigan State University.

Dave devoted his professional life to education and service. He taught English and Math in Battle Creek, Michigan, and went on to establish a guidance counseling program in Petersburg, Michigan. He served for more than 30 years as a guidance counselor with Lansing Public Schools, while also teaching English and Civics through evening adult education classes to adults preparing to become American citizens.

Beyond his career, Dave dedicated 35 years to Wolverine Boys’ State, serving as athletic director, liaison for special activities, and general program advisor, mentoring generations of young men.

An avid reader, Dave loved solving crossword puzzles and enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing softball. He proudly held season tickets to Spartan basketball and football games. His greatest joy, however, was his family - celebrating birthdays, yearly Christmas excursions to Illinois, summer picnics, and 50 years of outdoor camping adventures traveling across the country.

Dave’s life was rooted in his deep love for Jesus Christ. He shared his faith through teaching Sunday school, singing in the church choir, serving as a deacon, and serving on the board of Camp Barakel, all for the glory of Christ. In retirement, he became a Gideon, continuing his ministry by distributing Bibles to high school and college students.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Saundra (Brown) Bittel; his children, Caron (Richard) White, Jolyn (John) Blair, and Todd David Bittel; grandchildren, Ian, Brandon, Trevor Markiw, Liesl (Nathaniel) Smith, Caitlin (Adam) Klein, JD, and Jacob Blair; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews; his sister-in-law, Sharon Mulligan; and his best friend of 80 years, Maynard Bruch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Edmond (Lydia Wagner) Bittel; his brother, John Titus Bittel; and his beloved mother-in-law, Margaret Brown.

Dave will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his devotion to family, and a lifetime of service to others.

A funeral service for Dave will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at South Church, 5250 Cornerstone Dr., Lansing, MI 48917, Pastor Keith Sova officiating. A committal with military honors will take place at DeepDale Memorial Gardens at 2:00 PM on the same day, 4108 Old Lansing Rd., Lansing, MI 48917.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Ian Markiw, Brandon Markiw, Trevor Markiw, JD Blair, Jacob Blair, Aaron Wells, and Andy Wells.

Donations in memory of Dave may be made to Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services, 530 Beech St., Charlotte, MI 48813 or The Gideons International - Capital City, 3500 Karen St., Lansing, MI 48911.