Robert "Bob" Breeling

1954 - 2026

Jul 5, 1954 - Mar 7, 2026

Robert "Bob" N. Breeling, 71, of Cook, passed away on March 7, 2026, at Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln.

He was born on July 5, 1954, in Lincoln, to Jesse and Verna (Dodd) Breeling.

Bob graduated from high school and went on to serve his country in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division. Over the years, he worked in several fields including as a chef and operating a painting company. Bob was also an ordained minister and was known for his willingness to serve others in many ways.

On January 7, 2005, Bob was united in marriage to Susan Halm at St. John's United Church of Christ in Syracuse. Together they made their home in Cook.

Bob was very active in his community and with veterans organizations. He served as Commander of American Legion Post #2 in Tecumseh, helped as co-groundskeeper for Legion Baseball, and served on the board of directors for the Vets Club.

He was especially proud of cooking for the Veterans Golf Tournament. Bob also ran an antique shop and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He cherished time spent visiting and hanging out with his best friend, Mike Wolken.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Breeling; daughters, Jarren Breeling and Melissa Rae; five grandchildren; sister, Patricia Olstad; cousin, Denise Meyers; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Joyce (John) Ekstein, Jim (Cheryl) Pierce, Gene Versaw, Shelley Davis, and Gary (Karen) Pierce; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Verna Breeling; daughter, Jessie; siblings, Janet Kage, Phyllis Stehr, and Lyle Breeling; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Eddie Olstad, Dan Kage, Dick Stehr, Kay Breeling, and Linda Versaw.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home in Syracuse. The service will be livestreamed on the Fusselman Facebook page.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 12, from 1 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home in Syracuse, with family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Arrangements by: Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home of Syracuse.

Condolences may be left at www.fusselmanallenharvey.com.