Wayne E. Bittner, 89 of Fairbury, died at 6:53 pm, Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

His funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Apostolic Christian Church of Fairbury with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be in South Apostolic Christian Cemetery, Fairbury.

Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 pm, Friday, June 6, 2014 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury; and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be directed to Fairview Haven Retirement Community or SELCAS both of Fairbury.

Mr. Bittner was born September 30, 1924 in Fairbury, the son of Samuel and Lydia (Zimmerman) Bittner. He married LaVerne Schaab on September 15, 1948 in Normal, IL. She survives in Fairbury.

Other survivors include his children, Gary (Linda) Bittner of Silver Spring, MD; Jane (Al) Freehill of Chenoa; Keith (Vickie) Bittner of Fairbury; four sisters, Emma (Peter) Schaffer of Fairbury; Cynthia (Clyde) Donelson of Marion, IL; Jean Bittner and Darlene Bittner both of Fairbury; one brother, Merle Bittner of Fairbury; 23 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Betty Bittner, one son, Paul Bittner and one daughter, Connie Mueller.

Wayne attended Potter Country School in rural Fairbury and was a life-long farmer in the Fairbury area. He was also employed at Koehl Bros. and at Moorman's Feed, Fairbury for 10 years. He attended the Apostolic Christian Church of Fairbury and was a member of the Fairbury Lions Club. All who loved Wayne will miss his tender spirit and will always remember his warm smile and giving heart.