Frank Stephens Bittick, 97

Frank Stephens Bittick was born in Southern California to Frank Sr. and Julia Bittick on June 3, 1927, and went on to be with his Lord on Jan. 6, 2025. Frank had a very curious mind and always wanted to be doing something. During his growing years, he had many different kinds of jobs. He was the tallest kid in his class before long.  A music teacher got him interested in learning to play the violin, and by age 12, he had joined a local orchestra. This love stayed with him throughout his life, although there were years he wasn’t able to keep it up. 

Frank joined the Navy the minute he graduated from high school in 1945. He became a medic and was sent to Guam. He was always proud of serving his country. From childhood, he planned to become a doctor, but during his years at college, he became interested in a career in education. In 1949, Frank married Patricia DeLap, and four children were born to them: James, Lane, Lorien and Gina. He was a proud father and dearly loved his children. He became a teacher, then, after earning a master’s degree, became a principal. He continued to work very hard to support his family, always with a part-time job in addition to his school career. In 1979, Frank finished a doctorate in education and, eager to put it to work, accepted an opportunity in Fresno, Calif. He had a real heart for children and was always seeking ways to help them. Due to unforeseen circumstances, he decided to settle in Fresno.

Frank revived his interest in music and became active in his Fresno church and local orchestra. After several years, he met and married Charlene, a lady with a similar background and many common interests and experiences, especially music, the most important being that they were both committed Christians. They married in 1984. Frank left the education field and worked for the World Book Company, where he did very well as both a salesman and manager, earning many different awards and honors. He and Charlene lived in Bakersfield during the latter part of this career. They wanted to find another place to continue life, and on a trip to visit family and friends in Washington and Idaho, they came to Coeur d’Alene and decided they wanted to live here. The scenery, the music opportunities and other interesting possibilities got their attention. They built a home and settled here in 1994. Frank joined the NIC orchestra for a while, and he and his wife provided Sunday morning music for a local care home for years. He wasn’t finished working yet, however. He did substitute teaching and then became a student teacher supervisor for the University of Idaho. He began to notice the low graduation totals in the area and decided to do something about it. In 2000, he founded the Teen Age Project (TAP), which met on weekday afternoons near Lake City High School. He found a tutor for each student who enrolled, such as a retired professional or a top student. Later, he did the same for Coeur d’Alene High. This went on for 11 years and won him a national award for top senior volunteer, with a trip to Washington, D.C. As Frank’s later years progressed, he was forced to finally slow down. He kept as active as possible and loved going to the Kroc Center for exercise, which, even at age 97 ½, he still tried to do as much as possible. He was always friendly and outgoing, never at a loss for words and insisted on continuing to drive, even with crippled legs, until the last few months of his life. He and his wife have been members of Hayden Bible Church for a number of years. He will be remembered by many.

Frank is survived by his wife, Charlene; his four children; and Charlene’s two daughters, Kara and Eileen. Plans are for his sons and daughters to have a military graveside service in California in the near future. His brother, Earl, is deceased.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Frank’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.