By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Albert J. "Bud" Gittner started working as a salesman for Rainbo Baking Co. about 1935. In 1952, he became president of the company in Cincinnati.

"He pretty much worked his way up the ladder," said his son, Allen J. Gittner of Villa Hills. "At Rainbo, he was very respected by his employees - they really loved the man.

"He was very fair and caring. He'd help individuals out with their personal issues, be it family problems or financial matters."

Mr. Gittner died Wednesday at Villaspring of Erlanger Health Care Center & Rehabilitation of heart failure.

The longtime Indian Hill resident was 90.

An experienced horseman, Mr. Gittner kept two or three horses at a time at his property in Indian Hill.

"He was the only cowboy in Indian Hill - he rode Western," his son said.

Born and raised in Denver, Mr. Gittner attended Colorado State University before becoming a salesman for Rainbo. He supplied goods to stores in small Colorado mining towns.

He married Glenda Bauer in 1934, when the two sneaked away from their parents' homes to Loveland, Colo. They remained secretly married - living apart - for a year.

Mr. Gittner worked in various capacities for Rainbo Bread in Houston and Aurora, Ill., before moving to Cincinnati.

After he retired in 1970, he was pivotal in negotiating the donation of the plant and property to nearby Xavier University.

Mr. Gittner and his wife moved to Dunedin, Fla., for a few years, but then moved back to Cincinnati.

Besides his son and wife, other survivors include a daughter, Judie Kelly of New Port Ritchey, Fla.; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Services are private.

His body was cremated.

Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 644 Linn St., Cincinnati, 45203.

Email nhamilton@enquirer.com