ALGONA — Rick Rodney Bitterman, 75, whose life was shaped by deep faith, devotion to family and a generous spirit of service, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at MercyOne in Des Moines.
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 8, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 520 N. Garfield Street in Algona.
A funeral service will be held Sunday, August 9, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, with lunch immediately following the service.
A private family burial will take place at a later date.
Rick was born November 22, 1950, in Mason City, Iowa. He graduated from Nora Springs-Rock Falls High School in 1969 and later attended Mankato State University.
On December 27, 1970, Rick married Barbara Rollefson at Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown. Together they built a family that included their three children, Bradley, Angie and April.
Rick spent much of his working life in the lumber and building-products industry. He worked at lumber yards in Forest City and later served as an assistant manager and manager in Estherville, Klemme, Belmond and Ogden.
He later moved to Des Moines, where he worked as a sales representative for Triangle Pacific Cabinets.
In 1992, Rick and his family moved to Algona, where he became a sales representative for the family-owned Key Wholesale. Rick spent 25 years traveling and serving customers in the wholesale lumber industry before retiring in 2013.
Retirement did not mean sitting still.
Rick began repairing sewing machines after Barbara encouraged him to find something to keep himself busy. His family remembered him as someone with a brilliant mechanical mind who could seemingly fix anything.
Computers, electronics and just about anything with a wire attached fascinated him.
Rick also loved traveling and created many cherished memories on family trips. His faith took him even farther from home when he traveled twice to Brazil as part of a missionary team.
In more recent years, Rick and Barbara enjoyed having a home in Des Moines, allowing them to spend more time near their children, grandchildren and great-grandchild.
Family was at the center of Rick’s life.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who loved those closest to him intensely and took great joy in their lives.
His Christian faith was equally central to the man he became.
Rick was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona, where he took the lead in the church sound booth and used his technical talents in service to the congregation.
He also strongly supported the TLC Quilters and the mission work they performed.
Those who knew Rick remembered a man whose life reflected kindness, compassion, patience and an enduring faith in God.
He sought to live his beliefs through service to his family, friends, church and community.
Rick was known for his warm smile, encouragement and willingness to help others. His family said his acts of kindness, faithful prayers and welcoming heart touched countless lives.
Rick is survived by his wife, Barbara Bitterman; daughters Angela “Angie” Anderson and husband Wayne, and April Breig and husband Jason; grandchildren Bryce Anderson, Brendan Anderson and wife Sydney, Hannah Brecht and husband Zach, Matthew Tufano and Nathanial Tufano; and great-granddaughter Ember Anderson.
He is also survived by his siblings, Linda Peterson and husband Ron, Bob Willemsen and wife Cindy, Susan Knapp and husband Tom, Judith Willemsen, and Jennifer Benda and husband Chris.
Rick was preceded in death by his son, Bradley Bitterman; father, Roy Gerald Bitterman; mother, Bonnie Bitterman Willemsen; and stepfather, Marvin Willemsen.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be directed to the TLC Quilters, whose mission was important to Rick and Barbara.
Rick leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, service and love for family that those who knew him will carry forward.
LENTZ FUNERAL HOME is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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