Gordon Bittner
May 27, 1949 -
Jul 20, 2026
Gordon Dean Bittner, 77, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska. He was surrounded by family throughout his final days.
Gordon was born on May 27, 1949, in Portland, Ore., to Frank and Betty Bittner. He was one of five boys and raised in Newport, Ore., just steps from the Pacific Ocean. He spent his youth surfing, hunting, fishing, playing sports and embracing the outdoors – interests that would remain lifelong passions. He graduated from Newport High School in 1968 before enlisting in the United States Air Force. Stationed at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Gordon quickly fell in love with Alaska and was intent on making it his home.
After his military service, Gordon devoted more than four decades to a distinguished career in law enforcement. He served with the Alaska State Troopers, the Fairbanks Police Department, the McKenzie County Sheriff's Office in North Dakota, the Sidney Police Department in Montana, and spent 23 years as a Deputy United States Marshal. Following mandatory retirement from the Marshals Service, Gordon rejoined the Alaska State Troopers, where he served until retiring in 2016.
While working as a police officer in Fairbanks, Gordon met the love of his life, Dianne, "Poki," then a nurse at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. They married in 1982 and shared more than four decades together. Through their marriage, Gordon became a devoted stepfather to Tonya, whom he loved as his own, and later welcomed their son, Troy.
Although Gordon was widely respected for his law enforcement career, his family knew him best as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was known for his sense of humor, gift for storytelling, unwavering loyalty and deep love for his family. Behind his tough exterior was a gentle and caring man who especially cherished time spent with his family.
Gordon will be remembered for his integrity, strength, humor and lifelong commitment to serving others. His family is grateful for the many years they shared with him and will forever cherish his memory.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Betty Bittner; and brothers, Barry and Leonard.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dianne; children, Troy and Tonya; granddaughter, Chloe; brothers, Larry and Wesley; and numerous extended family members, friends and former colleagues.
A memorial service will be held on Aug. 26, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Legacy Funeral Home, 440 East Klatt Road in Anchorage.