Lois Jean Bittorf, age 88, was called to heaven on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to be reunited with her beloved husband, Donald. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly while at St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center in Gren Bay.
Lois was born at home in Carlsville on November 1, 1937, the daughter Frank Alex Simonar, Jr. and Melva Ida (Roth) Simonar. She grew up attending Carlsville School and St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Valmy.
In her early years, Lois picked apples and cherries. She was united in marriage to Donald Harold Bittorf on April 23, 1955 at her home church, St. John Ev. Lutheran Church where they remained lifelong members. Lois was a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, step-grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.
The greatest love of her life was her husband, Donald of over 65 years. As they were truly the love of each other's lives, and he worshiped her and she him. Together, they built a life centered on family and community. Lois spent many years raising her family and working at the Alpine Resort in Egg Harbor and Harbor Village in Carlsville. Music was a constant source of happiness for her, and she spent countless joyful nights listening to her husband, Donald, and her brother, Bobby, and later the music of The Bittorf Brothers featuring Donald and her brother-in-law, Wallace Bittorf. She was always their most enthusiastic fan, finding great peace and joy in the songs that served as the soundtrack to her long and happy marriage.
Her favorite moments were those spent with her family, which often included cherished camping trips and group outings. While she faced her share of adversity throughout her 88 years, she never let it stop her from achieving anything she set her mind to. To her family, she was a hero who met every challenge with strength and grace. Her family will carry her memory with them forever.
Lois will be missed by her three children, Terry (Wendy) Bittorf, Valerie Bittorf, and Darrin (Mary) Bittorf and honorary son, Mike Simonar. Her legacy continues through her five grandchildren, Jessica (Corey) Haen, Ryan Riess, Bob (Chelsea) Bittorf, Ashley Malvitz, and Kasey Bittorf. She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Preston Haen and Olivia and Ava Bittorf. Also survived by brother-in-law, Wallace (Gloria) Bittorf. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald; her infant twin daughters, Cindy and Sandy; her parents; four siblings, Elnora (Roland Wagner), Wally (Florence) Simonar, Vida (Wilbert "Snooky") Miller, Bobby Simonar, and Johanna Opicka; and other siblings-in-law, Fred (Shirley) Bittorf, Reggie "RJ" (Doreen) Bittorf, Shirley (Earl) Krauel, and Bernhardt "Bernie" (Lois) Bittorf.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Valmy with Pastor Peter Martin officiating. Lois will be laid to rest in the church cemetery, beside her husband, Donald. Visitation for family and friends will be held after 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Huehns Funeral Home, 1414 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 with a devotion to conclude the evening at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.
"Our family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the staff at Door County Medical Center and St. Mary's Hospital, as well as her cardiologist, Dr. Anas Sarhan, and his team, for the supportive care and kindness shown to Lois during her illness." Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Lois may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.
