Barbara Renee Bittrich, 73

Barbara Renee Bittrich, age 73 of Waterville, died on the evening of Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Barb was born in Duluth on July 15, 1949, to parents William and Frances (Asp) Schminski.  She graduated from high school in Floodwood, MN before continuing her education to become a licensed nurse practitioner.  On March 17, 1972 Barb was married to Dennis “Denny” Bittrich at St. Louis Catholic Church in Floodwood.  She began her nursing career at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, and after moving to Waterville she began nursing at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home.  She spent countless hours over the years crafting blankets and collecting aluminum pop tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.  Her favorite activity, though, was attending as many of her granddaughters’ ballgames as she could.  Known to many as “Granny” she was greatly loved in the Waterville community, and she will be sorely missed.

Barb is survived by three children: Jody Bittrich of Wheatridge, CO, Cheryl Bittrich of Wheatridge, CO, and Kathy (Simon) Krystosek of Waterville; five grandchildren, Miranda Krystosek, Jaylen Bittrich, Meghan Krystosek, Meika Krystosek, and Julia Bittrich; four siblings: Carol Schminski of Duluth, Betty (Roger) Deno of Waterville, Jim Schminski of Floodwood, and Bonnie (Steve) Hall of Floodwood; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband; and several in-laws.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at the Waterville Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.  A reception for family and friends will follow at The Village in Waterville. Barb will be interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.  dsofuneral.com