George Phillip Bitner's Obituary
George Phillip Bitner, age 85, of Spring Lake passed away Saturday, March 11, 2023, at American House in Spring Lake. He was born April 26, 1937, in Spokane, WA to William H. and Helen M. (Wood) Bitner. George married Eunice M. Stenberg on February 28, 1986, in Spring Lake.
George graduated from Sturgis High School and Hope College with his Bachelor’s degree. He taught Fifth grade at Spring Lake Schools and also coached both boys and girls golf there for over fifty-two years. George was a member of Spring Lake Presbyterian Church, honorary member of Spring Lake Country Club, Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association, Michigan High School Athletic Association, National High School Coaches Association and member of Kappa Eta Nu at Hope College. He was named boys and girls golf coach of the year by USA Today in 2014. George loved golfing, coaching, traveling, reading, and most of all spending time with his family.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Eunice Bitner; children, Alyson (Patrick) Ryan, W. Andy (Melissa) Bitner, Cynthia (Mike) Hardy, Zo Ellen Turner, and Christine Osborne; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his sister, Vicki (Dennis) Rose; and special friends, Elif (Gurol) Camikle and their children, Asya and Kuzey.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 31, 2023, at Spring Lake Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dan Anderson officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials to The George Bitner Scholarship Fund through The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation https://ghacf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1470 or Gentiva Hospice are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
The funeral will be live streamed at www.slpc.org/livestream
What’s your fondest memory of George?
What’s a lesson you learned from George?
Share a story where George's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with George you’ll never forget.
How did George make you smile?
