Alton Phillip Bittermann, age 88, of Mitchell, SD died Wednesday February 25, 2009 at Firesteel Healthcare Center. Memorial services will be 1:00 PM Saturday February 28, 2009 at Will Funeral Chapel with burial at Graceland Cemetery. The family will be present from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Saturday at the Will Funeral Chapel.

Alton Phillip Bittermann was born August 8, 1920 to Jacob and Helena (Perman) Bittermann, the third of four sons on a farm one mile east and six miles south of Delmont, SD. He attended grade school at what was known as Klien School District, upon graduation, attended Delmont High School, from which he graduated in 1937.

Al attended three quarters at the Mitchell Business College. He was employed as a bookkeeper for Noble Oil Co. in Mitchell. In 1941 he returned to farming. In 1945 he purchased a farm east and south of Delmont, which he operated until 1965. In 1965 he moved to Mitchell and worked for Mitchell Music for a short time and then became employed with the South Dakota Department of Highways as a Construction Inspector.

On October 8, 1977 he married Fay Hoffman. In 1983 he retired from the Highway Department and in 1986 they moved to Sierra Vista, AZ, where they lived for eight years and five months. On January 19, 1996 they moved back to Mitchell and resided on Norway Street.

Being interested in music as a hobby, Al worked with several different trios on the weekends from his junior year in high school on and then with the Kings of Rhythm Trio in Mitchell. Al played for many dances during his retirement and was playing for himself mainly up until his death. He loved his music and sharing it with others.

Al was preceded in death by his wife Fay, his parents, Jacob and Helena Bittermann, three brothers: Albert, Ruben and Edgar, a daughter-in-law, Delores Hoffman and a nephew, Vernon Bittermann.

He is survived by eight step children: David Hoffman, Mitchell, SD; Dick (Sally) Hoffman, Oxford, MI; George (Sue) Hoffman, Egan, SD; Jerry (Carol) Hoffman, Lacrosse, WI: Beverly (Paul) Thompson, Mitchell, SD; Bonnie (Charlie) Miller, Fort Dodge, IA; Bea (Randy) Shultz, Spearfish, SD; and Betty Ann (Randy) Schmitz, Boone, IA; 25 step grandchildren; 36 step great grandchildren; several step great great grandchildren; nieces, Lynne (Roger) Triebwasser, Mitchell, SD; LaVonne (Mel) Konrad, Mitchell, SD; Darlene Doll Roth, Tripp, SD, Karen Frank, Des Moines, IA; nephews, Cliff (Etha) Bittermann, Sebring, FL; Glen (Julie) Bittermann, West Bend, WI; Marlin Bittermann, Sioux Falls, SD.

Death is not the last sleep. It is the final awakening.

In lieu of flowers memorials will be directed by the discretion of the family.