Gary John Bitz, 76, of Bismarck, passed away peacefully on February 12th, 2026, surrounded by his family at home. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 17 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 106 Osage Ave, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, February 16, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Born in Jamestown, North Dakota, in 1949, to Ruth (Schielke) and Wilbur Bitz, Gary spent his earliest years on a farm outside of Cleveland. Throughout his childhood, he moved several times across North Dakota and Minnesota. His siblings - Bill, Greg, Kathy, and Steve - navigated life’s challenges, serving as protectors, friends, and sources of entertainment. Gary remained forever grateful for the special bond he shared with grandparents, Oswald and Ida Schielke.

Gary graduated from Bismarck High School in 1967. It was at Bismarck State College where he met Sue Gerhardt; they married on June 19, 1970, and together they built a family.

Gary continued his education at the University of Mary, earning a degree in social work. Together, he and Sue raised four children: their son, Jim, and daughters, Lisa, Jenny, and Kari.

Gary’s professional life was defined by a strong work ethic. He began his career in social work before transitioning into human resources, sales, business ownership and the airlines. In his later years, he found great joy driving bus for Bismarck Public Schools.

Gary enjoyed spending time at the local ballfields, whether playing softball, umpiring, or simply playing catch with his children. He loved watching sports, playing cards, and took immense pride in maintaining a perfectly manicured lawn.

Gary had a well-known sweet tooth, with a particular weakness for strawberry shakes and anything coconut-flavored. His ultimate daily indulgence - and the one his family will remember the most - was a good vanilla latte.

Gary spent many days fishing at Pollock and Beaver Bay with his brother-in-law, Ron Gerhardt, and his father-in-law, Ralph Gerhardt. He also cherished fishing trips to Lake Sakakawea with his daughter Lisa and son-in-law, Travis.

Gary shined brightest as a grandfather. He watched over his grandchildren, ensuring they were safe, protected and deeply loved. He was a steady presence at their sporting events, music programs, and graduations. He kept the kids guessing with his magic tricks. One of his favorite ways to surprise them was showing up in his school bus to give them a special ride around the block.

Gary and Sue shared a love for travel. He was particularly fond of the Colorado mountains and any destination near the water, including trips to Walker, Duluth, and Lake of the Woods. One of his most cherished vacations was to Holmes Beach, Florida, having his wife, children, and grandchildren all gathered together in one place.

He is survived by his wife, Sue, his son Jim (Heidi) Bitz, daughters Lisa (Travis) Carufel, Jenny (Aaron) Birst, and Kari (Zac) Weis; eleven grandchildren Aly (Payton), Elliot, Mason, Wyatt, Jillian, Tyler, Logan, Jaxon, Sophia, Esley, and Emery; two great-grandchildren, Indy and Camden; and stepfather, Lou Barton.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Wilbur, and mother, Ruth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bismarck Parkinson’s Support Group.

Next time you treat yourself to a strawberry shake or a vanilla latte, think of Gary.