Edward "Ed" Breen

Edward "Ed" Breen, a devoted journalist, radio host, and a passionate caretaker of Indiana's history, passed away on May 25, 2025, at the age of 82. He had the ability to talk with anybody, passion for the Chicago Cubs and the Bears, and a willingness to help. With a career spanning more than five decades, Ed will be remembered for his dedication to storytelling through the written word and photos. While in high school, Ed began his career reporting on his local high school sports for the Fort Dodge Messenger. In 1966, he joined the Marion Chronicle-Tribune, serving for nearly 30 years as a reporter, photographer, and editor. During this time, Ed covered local news with a warmth and love for his adopted hometown and national news with the professionalism of a career journalist. Upon leaving the Chronicle, He served as the Assistant Managing Editor at The Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne, a role he held until his retirement in 2009.

After his retirement, he continued to write for The News-Herald from 2015 to 2024, always bringing curiosity and care to the stories he told. After retiring from print journalism, Ed took to the airwaves as co-host of Good Morning Grant County on WBAT. His segment, An Ed Breen Moment, became a beloved feature, offering insight, humor, and thoughtful commentary on local life. Beyond journalism, Ed was a passionate steward of Indiana's history. He co-founded the Mississinewa Battlefield Society and helped establish the "Mississinewa 1812" reenactment. He served as a trustee of the Indiana Historical Society and on the board of the Friends of the Lincoln Collection of Indiana. He was also a proud member of the Friends of the Marion Public Library. Ed was twice awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash – Indiana's highest civilian honor – and was inducted into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame in 2016. Ed will be remembered for his enduring curiosity, civic spirit, and abiding love for Indiana.

He adored his family and took great pride in his daughters and grandsons. A man of many passions, he loved country music, book collecting, long-distance driving, grilling, root beer floats, fishing with the boys, and cheering for the Cubs.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Joanne Breen; daughters Lisa Breen and Audrey (Michael) Breen Shepard; and grandsons Maxwell Emerson Shepard and Liam Breen Shepard. He is also survived by his sister Alice (Dan) Catalfo; and his in-laws: Ethel (Tom) Brant; Loras (Lana) Schiltz; and Richard (Ann) Schiltz.

The visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., on Saturday, Aug. 9 in the narthex of St. Paul's Catholic Church, 1031 W. Kem Road, Marion. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. A memorial celebration will follow immediately after at McCarthy Hall on the campus of St. Paul Catholic Church and School. In lieu of flowers please direct memorial contributions to St. Paul Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made at www.owenweilert duncan.com.

Ed Breen's voice, humor, and heart will be missed – but never forgotten.