Robert D. Pittenger

Robert D. Pittenger, 82, of Portland, ND passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday April 21, 2012 at Sanford Medical Hospital in Mayville, ND. Bob was born December 3rd, 1929 in Hannaford, ND to Robert and Emma (Rothert) Pittenger. Country school attendance was followed by graduation from Cooperstown High School. While employed at the Cooperstown Bank; Bob met and married Delores Anderson, his loving wife of 60 years. A United States Air Force veteran, Bob served domestically and overseas; upon returning home, he taught elementary school at Kinglsey Township Country School and farmed his family's land near Binford. Bob realized sales was his true calling, his sales career began at V-W Motors in Cooperstown. In 1965, he earned a license to sell Life and Health Insurance which led to a 30 year career selling insurance and financial products for Lutheran Brotherhood / Thrivent Financial. An analytical nature, quick wit, and sense of humor earned Bob several sales awards, including Agent of the Year. Bob's greatest joy was his family, he especially cherished holidays and family gatherings with his wife: Delores of Portland, ND; four children and their spouses: Pam & Bob Spampani of Mukilteo, WA; Renee & Rick Torgeson of Mayville, ND; Gene Pittenger & Tracie Decker of St. Paul, MN; and Julie & Eric Larson of Shelly, MN. Bob and Delores delighted in spending time with their six grandchildren: Rob Spampani, David, Heather, and Hunter Torgeson, Alexander Hathaway, and Alysia and Audra Larson. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Ellis and Stanley. In lieu of flowers, Delores and the family prefer memorials to Red River Valley Hospice-Mayville branch or your local food pantry. Visitation: Will be on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 from 5 ~ 7 PM with a 7 PM Public Prayer Service at the Baker Funeral Home and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: 10:30 AM Thursday, April 26, 2012 at Aurdal Lutheran Church, Portland, ND. Burial: Aurdal Lutheran Church Cemetery, Portland, ND.