Richard Breitbach
October 26, 1929 ~ May 11, 2017
Richard 'Dick' Francis Breitbach, age 87, of New Hampton, died Thursday, May 11, 2017, at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, after a brief illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton with Rev. Brian Dellaert celebrating the Mass. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery with Richard Kolbet, Joel Knutson, Alex Severson, Nathan Breitbach, Ryan Breitbach, Connor Hurley, Cole Hurley and Jayden Harrold serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Robyn Kolbet, Michelle Severson, Victoria Knutson, Melinda Knutson, Brittany Appelgate, Anna Hurley, Ainsley Harrold and Neve Hurley.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 15, 2017, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday at the church.
Dick, the son of Edward and Mabel (French) Breitbach, was born October 26, 1929, in rural Chickasaw County. He attended country schools and New Hampton High School until the age of 15, when his father passed and he began working with his brother Ed on the family farm. The two brothers managed a dairy operation with one of the first pipeline milking systems in Chickasaw County and later raised beef cattle and a grew a variety of field crops.
In 1950, Dick entered the United States Air Force and served as a radio operator on B-29 and B-36 aircraft. He was stationed in Okinawa and at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico. Airman Breitbach was awarded the Air Medal for his part in far-reaching air strikes against communist military installations and equipment in North Korea.
After four years in the Air Force, Dick moved back to New Hampton where he met Eileen Morrissey. The couple married on August 29, 1956, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Hampton, and to this union six children were born. The couple farmed together until 1993 when Richard retired.
When not on the farm, Dick enjoyed fishing in Northern Minnesota and Canada. He was active in community organizations like the Lawler American Legion and the Knights of Columbus and was a lifetime member of the VFW. Whenever he was able, Dick joined friends in Jerico for coffee and a game or two of euchre. His family and friends meant a great deal to him and you could always catch Dick telling jokes and making people laugh where ever he was.
Dick is survived by his wife, Eileen Breitbach of New Hampton, IA; one son, Steve (Paula) Breitbach of New Hampton, IA; five daughters, Suellen (Leon) Kolbet of New Hampton, IA, Connie (Dennis Sorensen) Severson of Brooklyn Park, MN, Ann Knutson of New Hampton, IA, Mary Beth (Chris) Harrold of Annapolis, MD, Karla (Jesse) Hurley of Cedar Rapids, IA; 16 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son-in-law, Danny Knutson; two brothers, Donald Breitbach, and Ed Breitbach; and three sisters, Viola Palmersheim, Catherine Duryee, and Ruth Schultz.
My thoughts and prayers to the Breitbach family during this difficult time. May it ease your pain knowing your dad is at peace now. Linda Mc Connell
My first memory of Uncle Dick was when he was a teenager and I was a little kid. We used to hang on him and bedevil his life at family get togethers. I remember him just laughing and letting us carry on. Aunt Eileen and family, no matter how long or full a life has been lived, we who are left to carry on feel a physical hurt. I can share from experience that the physical pain eases; but the missing your loved one never goes away. I pray for all of you and share in your sorrow. Linda and C,yde Gilson
Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers to Eileen and family We were sorry to hear about Dick’s passing. May he rest in peace, Jack and Betty Gorman
Joan Lentz lit a candle in memory of Richard F. Breitbach
Dick was a one of a kind and he knew it. Dan and I had some great times with him and the family. He will be missed by everyone. Our deepest sympathy to the family. Dan&Joan Lentz
Please accept our condolence for your loss. My memories are of Dick and Eileen as wonderful parents and always nice to all the kids who came to play out on the farm. Getting milk straight from the cow was quite an experience. I am sure you will cherish the wonderful memories.
Eileen and family. Please accept our sympathy on the loss of your dear husband, father, and grandfather. Keep sharing his story with an ocassional tear and much laughter.
Eileen and Family, My Sincere Sympathy on the loss of Dick, He will be missed by many of his fishing buddies and friends. We have many fond memories of the Canadian vacations. Hugs, Edna Jirak
So sorry for your loss ! Sending thoughts and prayers!
So very sorry to hear that Dick has passed on. I remember his quick witt and humor and how full of life he always was. He had a great laugh and hope he is at peace. Robin (Gebel) Nolan and family
Our sympathy to all the family. Keeping you in our prayers. Louise and Donn Harris
Suellen and family, Our prayers to all. Treasure the memories. Brad and Maureen
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time and the days to follow. Dick was a great guy and will be missed not by family but friends too. He loved life and may he rest in God’s hands.
Sorry for your loss. I pray that his memories are there for you to have in your thoughts. All my prayers. David and Jeanne Roder
I have fond memories of visiting the Breitbach farm when we visited Aunt Colleta. Great memories of family get togethers in New Hampton. It was fun just to hang out with everyone around the kitchen table and visit. I remember Dick’s smile and great laugh. Dick was blessed to have the love, care and support of his wonderful family. Deepest sympathy in your loss. Jeanne, Bill and Joe Fitzgerald (Don and Mary Schmidt’s daughter)
Ann – I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Ann Grober
The Breitbach My the Love of the Lord be your comfort during this time of loss. He is holding you and will walk with you during the days ahead. With deep Sympathy
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Richard F. Breitbach.
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Richard F. Breitbach.
EILEEN, SO SORRY, JUST START TO REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD EVERY WEEKEND GOING OUT, DANCING, EATING,ETC, ETC. I COULD FILL PAGES. DICK WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. BETTY ATTLESON
Your Friends at the University of Iowa Foundation purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Richard F. Breitbach.
Sincere sympathy to the family. May your husband/father/friend rest in peace.
My sympathies to you, Eileen, and your family. I have some good memories of all the good neighbors we had growing up. Peggy (Campbell) Johnson
Deepest sympathy to the Breitbach family
Sorry for your loss