William Breitbach

1933 - 2025

William Joseph Breitbach was born on May 26, 1933, the youngest son of John and Mary (Hoeser) Breitbach in Circle, Montana. He passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the Glendive Medical Center Extended Care in Glendive, Montana.

Bill was raised on the family farm north of Circle and went to a country school. Six years younger than his brothers, he was always close to his mother, Mary. Bill grew up working with his family and remembered that from the fifth grade on, he never went to school in the month of May because he was too busy helping with lambing season. He graduated from Circle High School in 1951. After his graduation, he joined his father and his older brothers, Tom and Fabian Breitbach, on the farm. In 1953, the family incorporated, forming Breitbach Brothers. In the 1960's, the corporation bought more land and a pellet mill to make sure that there was enough work to support the whole family on the farm. Bill said that they ran the mill 24 hours a day at first and had to hire help to look after the livestock.

In 1976, Bill married Bonnie Ogoe (Garoutte). They were divorced in 1986. In 1988, he married the love of his life, Marjorie Schriver (Tew). They built a home just outside of Glendive. After their retirement, Bill and Marj spent their time traveling around the U.S., visiting family and enjoying the country. Through Marj, Bill became stepfather to two children, grandfather to five, and great grandfather to eight. His family brought him great joy. After twenty-seven years together, Marj passed away in 2014.

Together with his brother Tom, Bill was a founding member of the Circle Flying Club and enjoyed learning to fly a small Cessna. He was also a longtime member of the Circle Rifle Club. Faith was the foundation of Bill's life. He was a lifelong member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Circle and was active in the Knights of Columbus as a Knight of the Fourth Degree, committed to the exemplification of charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism, and the defense of the priesthood.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers: John Jr., who died at birth, Fabian, and Tom, one stepson, Bill Schriver.

He is survived by one stepson, Don Schriver of Circle, five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 PM on Monday, June 23, 2025 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Circle with Father Francis Schreiber officiating. Rite of Committal will be in the Riverview Cemetery in Circle. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.