Velma Bittner, 66, passed away on July 12, 2026. She was born on April 11, 1960, in Freeman, South Dakota.

Velma dedicated much of her career to serving as a Correctional Officer at Soledad State Prison in California. As one of the first women in the profession, she was respected for her strength, resilience, and commitment to her work.

Those who knew Velma knew she had an extraordinary love for animals. Deer and birds would often come right up to her and eat from her hand, as though they instinctively trusted her. She was always rescuing animals whenever she could.

One of her family's favorite stories perfectly captures who she was. While working at Soledad State Prison, she learned that a pond on the property was being drained and worried about two ducks that had made it their home. Believing she had found lifelong mates, she couldn't bear the thought of leaving them behind. So, despite being told not to, she enlisted her children for a late-night "mission." Together they quietly loaded the loudly quacking ducks into the car and drove them to a lake in Marina, California, where they released them into what would end up being a safer home. It became one of those unforgettable family adventures that have been retold with laughter ever since.

She always found peace at the beach, on hiking trails, and anywhere she could explore the beauty of God's creation. She enjoyed traveling, discovering new places, and even investigating places rumored to be haunted. Fascinated by the unexplained, she often brought along her camera in hopes of capturing mysterious orbs and loved sharing stories of what she believed were ghostly encounters. She had a playful appreciation for the spooky and the unknown, and it was just another part of the adventurous curiosity that made her unique. Even if she occasionally took the scenic route, or the wrong one, family and friends will fondly remember that Velma had an uncanny ability to head in the opposite direction, creating stories that still bring smiles today.

Velma possessed a strong will and determination that carried her through life's challenges. She held her convictions firmly and cared deeply for the people she loved. Though she did not regularly attend church, her faith was quietly evident in the many crosses, pictures of Jesus, hand drawings, and personal poetry that filled her home and reflected the comfort she found in Him.

She is survived by her loving life partner, Earl; her children, Rachel, Kristen, and Brent; and her beloved grandsons, Mason and Grayson. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her greatly.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, Erna and Otto Bittner; her brothers, Wilfred "Willie" Bittner, Sichard "Zeke" Bittner; Reinhold "Reiny" Bittner; and her niece, Michelle "Missy" Dawn.

While we grieve the loss of Velma, we also celebrate the life she lived, the love she shared, the adventures she embraced, and the memories she created. Whether feeding wildlife, walking along the beach, exploring somewhere new, or making everyone laugh because she somehow ended up going the opposite direction, she leaves behind a legacy of love that will not be forgotten. If you happen to see a deer that is not afraid of people, a bird waiting patiently for a handful of seed, or a pair of ducks swimming happily together, think of Velma. She would have smiled.

A funeral service will be held at noon, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM  on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Freeman Prairie Arboretum in Freeman, SD.