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Stephen Valentine Breech

1941 - 2017

Stephen Valentine Breech obituary, 1941-2017, Columbus, OH

BORN

1941

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Schoedinger Northwest

1740 Zollinger Road

Columbus, Ohio

Stephen Breech Obituary

Breech Stephen Valentine Breech, 76, of Dublin, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2017. He was born on May 26, 1941 to the late Kenneth and Kathryn (Whetsel) Breech. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Theresa; daughters, Laura (Ken) Vick, Lesley (Jack Basil) Breech, and Jennifer Rhoads; brothers, Ron (Thelma), Jack (Sandy Hammond), and Larry (Theresa). He adored his grandchildren and they adored him back, Madelon Basil, Olivia Basil, Allison Rhoads, and Adam Rhoads. Steve rose from a hardscrabble childhood, unknowingly beginning his professional retail career when he accepted his first job as a bag boy at the hometown grocery store, Big Bear Stores, Inc., and where he met his wife, Theresa. He later held positions in almost all of the grocery chain's operations during his more than 40 years with the company. In 1995, Steve became the fifth Big Bear president in the company's nearly 75-year history. In recent years, Steve served as President of The Hadler Companies, a Columbus-based commercial real estate development firm. He and Theresa loved to travel and enjoyed many international trips, with special memories of England, Germany, and Ireland. He taught his family the value of a strong work ethic, a love of impeccable landscaping, and that achieving childhood dreams is always possible. Steve firmly believed it's not about the cards you're dealt, but how you play the hand. Steve's strength carried him to his inspiring victory over lung cancer, having survived over 4 years post diagnosis. He was beloved by many, and has many close friends and colleagues who will miss his vibrant smile, easy-going style, generosity of spirit, wealth of knowledge, and quick-wittedness. Steve's family will receive friends 4-8 p.m. on Monday, July 10, 2017 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221. The Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel, located on the grounds of Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 6440 South High Street, Lockbourne, Ohio 43137. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Stephen V. Breech Fund - 315910 at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, 660 Ackerman Rd., P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, Ohio 43218-3112. (Checks payable to: OSU Foundation.) To make a memorial contribution using a credit card, please visit https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift and type The Stephen V. Breech Fund - 315910 in the text box designated, 'Search for an area to support.' To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jul. 6 to Jul. 9, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
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Peggy Karlburg

July 4, 2021

Cousin Steve, You passed away on July 4th 2017. All Americans are Celebrating Today with their families. I know you are in Heaven celebrating with my Brother Jim, Brother in Laws Jerry and John but most of all your Mom Kathryn, Grandma and Grandpa Whetzel, Bud and Boots. We all miss your laughter and smiling face, you always would light up the room. With love, Peggy Karlburg

Jackie Breech-Vance

July 11, 2017

So sorry and many prayers for your family. Stephen's father Kenneth was my grandpa's brother George Breech. I worked for Big Bear for so many years.

July 10, 2017

Theresa and family, Mike and I send our
sympathy to you all. We have such fond
memories of our old neighborhood and what
fun we had when our children were little.
He was always fun to be around and will
be missed.
Mike and Melinda Miller

Paul& Darlene Duehren

July 10, 2017

So sorry to hear of Steve passing. I was one of his Produce Managers when he was President of Big Bear. Always a smile and very quick. Great to work for. always will remember the Golden Bear Years.

Paul& Darlene Duehren

July 10, 2017

Sorry to hear Steve passed. I was a Department manager under him At Big Bear. He was always quick with a smile and sharp. Golden Bear years God Bless The Breech family.

Michelle Bucy

July 10, 2017

Jennifer, to you and your entire family, I offer my condolences. May his memory always be a blessing and source of comfort and inspiration for all.

Susan Breech

July 10, 2017

Sincere condolences to the family.

Cliff Skinner

July 9, 2017

Thank you Steve for giving me the opportunity to help Big Bear be as successful as they were. I appreciate your willingness to talk to a lowly maintenance man as a valuable asset to the company.

Peg Karlburg

July 8, 2017

Dear Theresa and Family
Growing up in a large family I will never forget one special Christmas that Cousin Steve and Theresa showed up at our house with lots of toys, dolls, and other presents for us kids. It was one of the Happiest Christmases my siblings and I had. This is an example of what wonderful
people they are and we will miss Steve more than I can express. He's now in heaven with his mom Kathryn, Grandma Whetzel, and Bud and Boots among others. We will all miss his wonderful sense of humor, and his Irish smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, and may God bless and keep you. With Love Peg and Rick Karlburg

July 8, 2017

Dear Theresa and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. What a fun guy Steve was. His phone calls always made me laugh so hard. Now he can be with Dick again making silly jokes. I know his presence will be sorely missed by friends and family.
God bless you all!
Barby Troutman

Bart Mahoney

July 8, 2017

Regretfully the miles between South Carolina and Ohio will not allow to be with you at this time. Theresa and family you are in my thoughts and prayers. There are so many fond memories and conversations at Bob Evans,the Hadler offices, and Big Bear. Steve always seemed to enjoy our time together. His wit and sense of humor were without equal. As I rose thru the Chairs of the Charity Newsies, Steve was a tremendous support and made sure we benefited financially. He was the catalyst that put the Bear and the Newsies together. Beyond the Newsies our topics were St. Charles, banking, and later real estate development. Without fail he made sure every St. Patrick's Day I had the number for the Shillelagh Bail Bondsman. He was a caring and loving family man and in all conversations that love showed and was ever present. His death leaves a terrible void in the community, but the void that he leaves in my life will be felt, until we meet again.
I would like to have a memory card.
Bart Mahoney
2105-B Richardson Rd.
Camden, SC 29020

Flowers Ron and Joyce

July 7, 2017

Dear Theresa and Family,
I know Ron enjoyed working with Steve and respected him greatly. Because of their working together you and Steve became loyal friends of our's. May the Lord bless you and give you peace.
Wish we could be there.

Love, Joyce and Ron Flowers

Richard Kovalchik

July 7, 2017

Steve will be missed at the Razors Edge Barber Shop,what a great man,May God grant him eternal rest.Rest in Gods Loving Peace my brother

Lori Keenan

July 7, 2017

My sincere condolences to Mr. Breech's family and friends. As a Big Bear employee it was alway nice to see him visit the store. He always had a warm smile and hello for me. Gods peace be with you.

Teri (Harris) Wilkinson

July 7, 2017

Dear Breech Family , in particular, Laura. I worked for Big Bear for numerous years , much of the time during Steve's tenure. I have memories of a very fine and fair man. I also felt a bond with Laura, with whom I worked for quite a few years. My deepest sympathies to all of you, and I wish you peace.

Sarah Morrison

July 7, 2017

Steve was a neighbor and sweet friend. He always had a quick smile and absolutely refused to do my yard or give me advice about my yard all the while flashing that smile. He always made me laugh! He will be missed. Love to Theresa and family.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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Memorial Events
for Stephen Breech

Jul

10

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Schoedinger Northwest

1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221

Jul

11

Burial

11:00 a.m.

Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery

6440 South High Street, Lockbourne, OH

Funeral services provided by:

Schoedinger Northwest

1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221

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