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John Breidenbach
John Breidenbach
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John Breidenbach Obituary
Obituary
John Breidenbach, 66, of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2005 at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, North Dakota. John E. Breidenbach was born at his grandparents' farm on June 23, 1939 near Hatton, North Dakota, the son of Joseph and Ethel (Blaufuss) Breidenbach. John attended Michigan District 86 School near Reynolds, North Dakota. He began driving a pony cart to this one-room schoolhouse when he was in first grade. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in East Grand Forks in 1957. John grew up as the second oldest of eleven on the family farm near Reynolds. Amidst the joy and chaos of this large and happy family John learned many of the skills and work ethic he used later in life. He began driving truck and tractor at the age of five, later repairing farm equipment after his father purchased a welder from a ""fast-talking' traveling salesman. John joined the National Guard when he was 15 years old, and served for eight years. As part of his Guard training he attended crane shovel operators school at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. On June 30, 1960 John was united in marriage to his best friend and the love of his life, Shirlene Hall at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Grand Forks. John's welding career began with W.B. Skinner, Louie Peabody, Sims Machine Shop, and Swingen Construction Company. In 1982 John and Shirlene opened Breidenbach Welding and Repair and he remained active in the business even after semi-retiring in March of 2004. During those years he traveled the western United States installing newspaper equipment. His craftsmanship continues on through the skills of all those he taught and mentored throughout the years. Family members of John include his wife Shirlene, children Brian of East Grand Forks, Bren Wells of Glendale, CA, and Brandi Adams, of Minnetonka, MN, 4 grandchildren, Danielle Dodd, Jessica Adams, and Ashley and Gregory Wells, brothers and sisters, Roseann (Ray) Plutowski of East Grand Forks, Dave (Diane) Breidenbach and Paul (Judy) Breidenbach both of Grand Forks, Raymond (Pat) Breidenbach, Jeannine Lazur, Rita (Rick) Lang and Greg (Jeannie) Breidenbach all of Reynolds, Mary Kay (Fred) Ginther of St. Louis, MO, Joellen Noel of Phoenix, AZ and Bernadette (Dan) Fischer both of Affton, MO, uncle Ted Breidenbach of Sioux Falls, SD, sisters-in-law Bonnie (Ken) Driscoll of East Grand Forks and Norine (Ray) Savage of Grand Forks, many, many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews and numerous special friends. John had a wide range of interests and hobbies including: a Charter member of the Coon "N Crocket Muzzleloaders, hunting and fishing, the craft of gun-smithing, the feel of cold metal as he fabricated it into things beyond the normal imagination, listening to music, ""holding court' at Jeannie's Restaurant, dining at Dempsey's, member of the welding advisory board for NW Tech, teaching welding and dulcimer building, volunteer fireman, teaching Religious Education classes, member of Sacred Heart Church where he served as Eucharistic Minister and lector and belonged to the men's Bible-study group - ""The Garage' and above all, visiting with friends. John is preceded in death by his parents, 1 daughter, Bridget Dodd, infant siblings, Judy and Jeff, son-in-law, Greg Wells and brothers-in-law, Henry Lazur and Mark Noel. Services: 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 13, 2005 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, East Grand Forks, MN Visitation: 2:00 to 5:00 PM, Monday, December 12 with a 5:00 PM prayer service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 200 3rd St. N.W., East Grand Forks, MN Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND Arrangements by Stennes Funeral Home, East Grand Forks, Minnesota. www.stennesfuneralhome.com
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Terry Pietron
January 2, 2006
Dear Shirlene and family,
After speaking with Shirlene, I realized that I had the same reaction as many others. I felt a little guilty that I was remembering the laughter and fun things that I shared with John before I had felt grief.
John and I shared a lot. We met in Coon 'N' Crockett Muzzleloaders. We had businesses next to each other, (I had Northern Tier Plumbing) and had started our businesses at about the same time. We were customers of each other. When I needed welding done on a project, I had John do it. I took a rifle building class from John and Al Thompson.
I think John and I met in the late 70's. I can remember many times the fun we had... and the roaring laughter until our faces hurt.
I can think of no more fitting tribute than to stop, ponder, and wish that John were with me when I am hunting in these majestic Rocky Mountains. I think the mountain man in John would have loved it.
It's with tears in my eyes that I say I will miss you Ol' Buddy!
Karin Crosser
December 23, 2005
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. John was a great man. I met John when I worked in a summer camp with his daughter Bren and he made me feel at home being very far away from home (The Netherlands). I remember spendig time at the lake at Grandma's place. I was even welcome at John's house when Bren was already living in California. You are always welcome at John and Shirlene's house. Thank you for coming to my wedding! Thank you for letting me get to know you. Thank you for the good memories.You will be missed not only in the US but also by the people across the ocean. Be in peace.
Karin Crosser and the Dockhorn Family (Voorschoten, The Netherlands)
Amy & Custis (Breidenbach) Green
December 22, 2005
Our prayers and thoughts go out to Shirlene and family during this difficult time. I remember when my family moved to Grand Forks when I was in the 3rd grade (1980). I remember spending the night with Brandy at their home in East Grand Forks and feeling so welcome to my new town. I also appreciate John and Shirlene making it to our wedding last November in Minneapolis. What a kind, gentle soul John was. We're so sorry to hear of his passing. May God bless John, Shirlene and his immediate family.
Waylan Lundquist
December 15, 2005
John was a friend and mentor. My heart goes out to Shirlene, Brian,Bren and Brandy. I am very sorry for your loss. I will grieve with you. I hope the healing begins soon for you all. I will miss John he was a great man. Your Friend Waylan
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4e Flaagan
December 15, 2005
How can we be saddened by the passing of someone who in life brought such great joy and now brings such great memories! When Mom called to share with me the news about John, I was almost embarrassed at the good thoughts that immediately flooded my mind! In life, if we are lucky, we encounter people that influence who we are. John definitely had a part in shaping who I am and how I feel I treat people!
Know your heart,
Let it beat free,
Follow it as you will!
John, pick up your staff and continue your journey--God waits!
Joanne Noreen
December 15, 2005
Prayers and thoughts are with you. Sincerely and with sympathy, Joanne Noreen
Steve Breidenbach
December 14, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers are with John and his family. It was always enjoyable to see John and experience his candor and wit. He will be missed.
Joel and Anita Breidenbach
December 14, 2005
We are so sad to hear about John. He was a blessing to everyone who knew him/
We are so grateful he was able to attend Ted Breidenbach's 99th birthday party. We loved hearing the stories he told about the Breidenbach family. He will be missed. He made such a difference to so many lives.
Lou Oronoz
December 14, 2005
Bren,,Ashley Gregory,Shirlene and family,we will continue to keep all of you in our prayers during this difficult time. Your dad will always be remembered for his kindness and love for his family. Thank you for bringing him into our lives. God Bless you all.
Lou, Martha, Reggie and Jason Oronoz
Manuel & Donna Salinas
December 14, 2005
Bren, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Love Manny & Donna and Family
Craig Bouma
December 14, 2005
Bren,
You're in our prayers.
Chris Meier
December 14, 2005
I was so saddened to hear your message this morning, Shirlene. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of need. I met John about seven years ago, and what I'll remember most (aside from his one of a kind resemblance to Santa!) was his positive outlook on life! I so looked forward to our meetings, knowing that I would be smiling the whole time. After I started my family, all John would want to talk about was how my Gracie was doing. I sure will miss him.
The Meier Family
Chris, Karin, Gracie, Bo and Landon
Ted & Dot Schable
December 14, 2005
We send our condolences to Shirlene and the family. We know John will be sorely missed. Our reflections of John go back to our school years and an occasional get together over the course of the years. Those reflections include how bright he was,accomplishing his schoolwork with ease. How generous he was in helping others learn. How kind he was to all of us,no exceptions. A real team player in football and all endeavors. But most of all he was a joyful person that was just fun to be around. If heaven can be improved upon in any way, we're sure he's working on it.
John Breienbach with John Breidenbach
John Breidenbach
December 13, 2005
Yes, My name is also John Breidenbach. John's Father Joseph was my grandfather's brother (Ted Breidenbach. I meet John for the first time as an adult, last June at Ted Breidenbach's 99th Birthday. In just the couple hours we spoke I became proud and honored to share his name. God rest your sole John. You will live on in my memory and in name. I'm lucky to have known you.
John Breidenbach with John Breidenbach
December 13, 2005
Dan & Maxine Formato
December 13, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers to Shirlene & family, John was guit a guy,he will be missed by everyones life he touched. Our prayer are with you.
Shawn Callahan - Smith
December 13, 2005
I was a school friend of Brandi's and will never forget the kindness shown to me by this warm and loving family. I used to stop by in the morning and have cinnamon toast, orange juice and even a vitamin before heading off to school with Brandi. We used to go on "tuna runs" quite frequently, which I always found hysterical. John was a great man. Shirlene, Brandi & the rest of your family, I am saddened by your loss. Please take good care
Shelley Thompson
December 12, 2005
"Bear" was full of life, and gave life to all those whom he touched. I remember the first time we met Bear. He had such an effect on my eldest daughter, Theresa, that it shocked us all at her response to him. It was one of our first weekends at the Coon N Crockett rendezvous. It was a friendship that lasted for life. The end of the weekend proved to be very interesting to our new found friend, Bear. He was packing up on Sunday night, and a little mishap changed everything. His knife slipped, slicing his hand, and it was evident that he needed a bit of "doctoring". Whom else was capable of the job, but the crazy cannuck's. He was doctored before he left, and was sent the bill later that year, which included taxes, ALL the taxes we could think of, City tax, State tax, county tax, and even thumb tacks. Over the years this story was related many times by Bear himself. It made us all laugh over and over. This was Bear, hearing his laughter, hearing ours too; this made him happy. It was a pleasure, kind sir, to have had you in all our lives. "BEAR" will be with us all until we join him again. Our sympathies to the family. Until we meet at rendezvous again.
Maggie Hernandez
December 12, 2005
Dear Shirlene, Bren, Brian, Brandi and Breidenbach family,
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and with John.
Affectionately,
The Hernandez Family
Maggie, Roland, Scott, Charlie & Katie
Sara Breidenbach
December 12, 2005
I never knew John Breidenbach that much. I only met him once at grandpa Ted's 99th birthday party last year. All I remember is talking to him in Ted's garage. In fact I don't remember what we were talking about. Probably how my grandparents, Fran I and Carol, got married. I am sorry to hear about his loss.
Renae Kellum (Blaufuss)
December 12, 2005
I was so sorry to hear about my cousin. I have wonderful memories playing as a child at Joe and Ethel's house with all the kids. My thoughts and prayers are with John and his family. God Bless.
Terri Skavlem/Leidholm
December 12, 2005
My sympathies go out to the Breidenbach family! I've known John for many years as he was an acquaintance of my late husband, Denny Skavlem, and a very wonderful friend to Garald whom I keep in contact with. It's been 8 years since we lost Denny, and still, at holiday time, it's very emotional for not only to me, but for my girls. Knowing John and the wonderful person that he was he will be sadly missed, I'll always remember that wonderful smile and faceful of hair, it was a trademark. He left a truly wonderful legacy to all those that knew him, what a great man. I wish I could be there, to see and talk to many of those people that I have not seen for years and to celebrate his life with all of you.
My condolence's to all of you as you go through this very difficult time.
Andy Breidenbach
December 12, 2005
My daughter, Sara (12) and I met John this past Memorial weekend in Sioux Falls. We are both glad to have known him. Sara sat listening attentively for well over an hour while John told her some old stories. She especially remembers the picture of John in his "mountain man" (buckskins?) outfit. Our thoughts and prayers are with John and his family during this difficult time.
Theresa Thompson
December 12, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of such great loss. "Bear" will be missed greatly by the many who's lives he blessed with his friendship. I remember the first time I met him...I was very young (2or3) at the coon'n crockett, he walked into camp and I ran to my parents telling them that "Santa" was here. I remember being in my red fleece pj's and "Bear" admiring them so. He even asked if he could have a pair. Many years later I was able to get a set that would fit him just so. Now he could really be "Santa."
He will be remembered forever and missed greatly.
Missing you, my friend "Bear"
Dave & Cindy (Adams) Lambrix
December 12, 2005
Shirlene and family, Cindy and I are sorry to hear of John. I first met John when I joined the East Grand Forks Fire Department. We always enjoyed John's stories. I remember when went to rescue a kid at the Beet Plant if it wasn't for John and Jack Tack the kid would have lost his leg. He was always there when he was needed. A big man with a soft touch and hugh heart. Our kids always thought he was Santa. He will be missed here on earth but he is building something for the Lord. May he rest in peace.
Jim Stovall
December 12, 2005
The first time I ever saw John was as a mountain man at a blackpowder shoot back in the 70s. He was carrying the longest flintlock rifle I had ever seen. I think that is the way I am going to remember him. An easy man to talk to. Always with a big smile and a personality to back it up.
Marianne Rana
December 12, 2005
My deepest sympathies to Sherleen, Brian,Bren,Brandy and to all the Breidenbach family. He was truely one of a kind and a role model to all who knew him. He did a wonderful job of raising a beautiful famiy with you as a partner Sherleen. I am so sad he's gone, I'll miss his humor and smiles.
Andrea Larson
December 12, 2005
John was a wonderful man that will be missed. Being brought into such a large family through my mom's marriage to Todd, I could never keep everyone straight, but I knew who John was because I always remembered him as the one that looked like Santa Clause. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family, and to my stepfather who saw John as more of an uncle, but as a second dad. My prayers are with the family, and I am thankful for attending UND so I can be there with my family during such a sad time.
~Andrea Larson (step-daughter of Todd Breidenbach)
Stephen Sondrol
December 12, 2005
John was a great guy, and will be missed by everyone who ever knew him.
Judith Mathews
December 12, 2005
Family of John Breidenbach.
We were so sorry to hear of John's passing. We were privileged to have John as a guest one Thanksgiving in St. Louis. Our sincere sympathy to all of you, we know how much he will be missed. Judy and Bob Mathews
Charlette Randall
December 12, 2005
Our family had the pleasure of meeting John and Shirlene Breidenbach when Brandi Adams, my best friend and so much more introduced them to our family. My two oldest children, Zachery and Ashley had a "standing permission" that anytime the Breidenbach's were in the cities they could go out to breakfast with them, then John would drop the kids off at school. Our entire family is deeply saddened at the loss of John, I will miss his pickup pulling into my driveway and his kind words when we went down to chat with him. The few years I had the pleasure of knowing John, I was shown an example of what a kind and wonderful caring father was, and I believe it was my blessing to meet such a wonderful man. Our prayers and sympathies go out to the entire family, John will definitely be missed by the Randall family.
Tim Breidenbach
December 12, 2005
Uncle John has always been a special Uncle to me. Not only is he my Godfather, but he and I shared many interests with similar passion. It seems to me, we both enjoy solving problems by making better and stronger mousetraps. Of course John’s were always made of steel and mine were made of wood, but the solutions were always ingenious.
John also loved guns and he enjoyed the outdoors. Like me, he may have enjoyed the mechanical features of firearms more than hunting – I really don’t know, nor does that matter. All that mattered was spending time with him and absorbing all that he knew that could be shared in a short visit.
I had intentions of learning how to TIG weld this year and had talked to John about teaching me. “Yeah, come on over sometime and I can give you a lesson”. I called this fall and left a message one weekend only to find out later that John and Shirlene were in California visiting Bren & kids. The last time I saw John was at the hospital last month when he was visiting with my Dad (Sheriff Dave) after he had surgery for pancreas cancer. John was strong and in good spirits. I had made a note to once again try for that welding lesson and took today (Monday) as a day of vacation to do it. I never got that lesson from John, but I sure had my fair share of others. Somehow, I will learn to TIG weld and I know somehow, he will be there to help me. I love you John and miss you already. Rest in Peace. Tim
Owen Dahl
December 11, 2005
Upon hearing of Johns passing, the arc light of my welding seems to have lost it's intensity. He will be dearly missed.
Wayne Yanish
December 11, 2005
Dear Breidenbach Family, My wife Paula and I are so sorry to hear about John's passing. It's been many years since we've lived in Minnesota. John was so full of life. I am blessed to have been able spend much time with him in "Coon 'N Crockett" in the early 1980s. Our prayers go out to all of you during this very difficult time.
Francis Breidenbach
December 11, 2005
Our deepest sympathy to Shirlene, the children and all of John's loved ones. I've known John since the summer of 1941, when at age 11, I worked for his dad, my uncle Joe. John was only about 2 then,
but I remeber him as bright cheerful, and outgoing, although his crabby great-uncle Hubert who lived with the family and managed the garden, I think regarded him as a pesky little imp much of the time. I only saw John on occasion for many years until perhaps the late '80s or the early to mid 90's when he spent considerable time in California installing printing press plants for one of the leaders in the field, a German manufacturer. We saw a lot of him then sometimes Shirlene. John was a great guy mechanically very talented, intelligent and he loved his family. He will be missed by all who knew him. Francis Breidenbach
Dick Yuric
December 11, 2005
I really admired John,his ingenuity and what he stood for. I considered him a friend and was really sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers go out to his wife and family.
Dan Neppel
December 11, 2005
My hearfelt sympathy to the Breidenbach Family. I knew John while I was a young high school student at Sacred Heart. We were teammates on the football team.John was very thoughtfull,friendly and caring when we were students and did a great job blocking on the offensive line.We will miss him.
roger hoverson
December 11, 2005
sonia & i were sadened to here of your loss. john was a friend & we had good times with him while he lived with garold in hazen, during the coal gasification construction project. we had lot's of good meal's there. john was not only a good welder & fabricator, but a good cook & entertainer as well. he will be missed.
Dick Malone
December 11, 2005
Very sorry to here of Johns passing
Mike and Pam Breidenbach
December 11, 2005
Our prayers and thoughts are with Shirlene and family during this difficult time. John will be missed by all who knew him but will always be remembered for his wit and friendship.
Francis (Fritz) Anthony Breidenbach, Jr.
December 11, 2005
God Bless John and his family. I had the pleasure of meeting John while I attended UND from 1978 thru 1982. I attended the same high school that his daughter Bren works at in Los Angeles and his son Brian helped me and my family many times with computer issues.
Neal Martin
December 11, 2005
I have known John “Bear” Breidenbach since he and “Cut Nose” Al Thompson taught the dulcimer, banjo, and rifle building class in East Grand Forks back in the late 70’s. I am also a Life member of the Coon ‘n Crockett Muzzleloaders Club of which John was a Charter Member. The obituary would have had to have been several pages long in order to fit in all of John’s many interests and various projects. He was a very creative individual indeed. We even got him to come out and do some Cowboy Action Shooting a few times. I remember he was shooting an old original Marlin lever action rifle. John liked to be authentic. He also enjoyed the craftsmanship of others. One of his most prized possessions is the flintlock longrifle that he had Dale Haake of Fargo make for him. John was also the subject of a limited edition art print done by artist Jim Stovall. Jim was visiting a rendezvous at Mentor, MN in about 1979 taking photographs of authentic looking “mountain men”. He asked this interesting looking fellow with a bear cub hat if he would strike a pose for a few photographs. He did and Jim turned the photographs into the limited edition pencil drawing. Many years later when Jim moved to Reynolds, ND from South Carolina he had some guys helping haul the furniture and boxes. One of the guys saw the “Bear” print and exclaimed that it was a picture of his uncle John. John Breidenbach was always a soft spoken, purposeful, and kind person in my estimation of him. He will be missed by many.
LEIGH STENNES
December 11, 2005
LEIGH STENNES
Tom Beauchamp
December 11, 2005
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. John was indeed a fine man. I was home in November for a family visit and had a good conversation with John at East Side Express. The Lord apparently has a major project that only John can fulfill. My prayers go out to John and all of his family.
Sincerely
Tom Beauchamp
Patricia Guerard Owens
December 11, 2005
I was saddened to read the GF Herald this morning informing that John had passed away at such a young age. When we attended Sacred Heart School together, I found John to be the most kind and considerate person to everyone he came in contact with. My husband, Bobby, and I send our heartfelt sympathy to his lovely wife and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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2029 Central Avenue NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
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