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Janice Irene Bittner

DES MOINES Iowa — On Sept. 5, 2018, beloved aunt and friend Janice Irene Bittner passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 68. Janice was born in Escanaba to Herman Bittner and Pearl (Marenger) Bittner, and had two sisters, Doreen Anne (Bittner) Stokes and Joanne Marie Bittner.

Though a proud “Yooper” from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Janice’s adoration for family prompted her to join her older sister Doreen on a path to both Milwaukee and eventually to Des Moines. There, in addition to doting on her loving niece Emily Stokes and nephews Lucas Erickson and Nathan Stokes, Janice also worked as a longtime nanny for the Rosenfeld family. She later also worked as an office manager at a child psychiatry office and most recently as a posting specialist at American Abstract and Title Co.

Though the three Bittner girls were separated for a while, the family bond was too strong and Janice’s younger sister Joanne eventually joined her and Doreen in Des Moines. Janice and Joanne lived together creating a joyful duet that kept all their family and friends entertained wherever they went. They also would prove to be an instrumental extended family unit for Doreen, her husband Allan Stokes and their three children. Tragically, Janice lost her comic duo partner Joanne at the age of 42, and her role model sister Doreen later at the age of 63. With her passing, Janice now reunites the Bittner girls in Heaven.

Janice was loving, giving and fiercely loyal, with a passion for hosting others and talking. These wonderful qualities created close family bonds and strong friendships throughout her life. Special thanks to all Janice’s friends who were so very helpful with her travel, care and spirits in recent years.

In addition to the many people she touched throughout life, Janice is survived by Lucas, Nathan, Emily and her brother-in-law Allan. She will be sorely missed.