Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Bill Breitenstein Obituary
On October 5, 2015 Bill Douglas peacefully passed away from ALS surrounded by family. He was born in Seattle, WA on October 15, 1943. He was the second oldest of four children. He spent his formative years in Centralia WA, graduated from the University of Washington and served his country as an officer in the Army. He spent most of his CPA Professional career working as a comptroller for Nordstrom, Inc. retiring in 2002. He cherished his family and left behind his loving and devoted wife, Susan A. Breitenstein, daughter Kate Guthrie (Todd), son Marc Breitenstein (Starla), son Eric Breitenstein (Racheal). Grandchildren Jacob Breitenstein (Selina), Jessica Breitenstein, Justin Breitenstein, Gabrielle Guthrie, Tyler Guthrie. Sisters, Carol Loop (Bill), Joan Edwards (Danny), Rosanne Homer (Freeman) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Providence Hospice of Seattle or ALS Association can be done in his name.
Please sign Bill's online guestbook at www.legacy.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bill Breitenstein
Sponsored by The Family.
Charlene Fetter
October 3, 2023
Bill was my all-time favorite "boss" but he became so much more than that. He was my mentor, my life-coach, and friend. I think of him often, and cherish the things I learned from him and the friendship we had.
Charlene Fetter
October 3, 2022
I think of Bill often. He had such an influence in my life, both professionally and personally. He was my favorite "boss" of anyone I ever worked for, because he taught me to have confidence in challenging myself. As a friend he guided me as I became a single mom. And just a few days ago I was telling a friend about the swing set/climber he gave me for my own daughter, after his kids outgrew it. Rickety and old as it was, it provided many hours of fun. I wish we still had it for my grandson now.
Love to you, Bill. You are missed but will never be forgotten.
Charlene Fetter
Suzanne Wakefield
October 3, 2022
Remember Doug ,such a good friend to Jim and myself. I wonder what he would have thought to know that Jim also passed from ALS in Nov.2020.
Marc
October 7, 2021
I miss you dad.. the world seems to have gone crazy since you passed. Maybe its just me without the granite foundation you provided. I wish I had your determination and focus. I could use some of that these days. I regret not speaking at your funeral. I would have fallen apart if I went up there.. but you deserved more. Our hugs were always so awkward.. but I could use one right now.
Peter Simkins
October 4, 2020
Miss you Bill. I could use some of your drive exercising and driving my career.
Charlene Fetter
October 3, 2020
I worked with Bill in the accounting department at Nordstrom for several years. He was, and will always be my most favorite boss, but more than that, Bill was a good friend.He made a difference in my life in many ways. I will be forever grateful for the advice he gave me as I became a mom, and for the guidance he gave me professionally.
Jim and Suzanne Wakefield
October 3, 2020
Can it be 5 years already. Love and prayers to you Susan and family.He was a good friend. We wonder what he would think about Jim also having ALS. Diagnosed in June. Jim and Suzanne
Lonny Wakefield
October 18, 2019
One of my best friends through High School and college. Will remember him for ever.
Marc
October 3, 2019
Missing my dad today. He always gave 100%. Our family misses his foundation of strength, consistency, and love.
March 5, 2016
I used to ride the Metro bus with Bill, until I retired from First Interstate Bank in 1996. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. I always enjoyed his company. Bob Fakler
Mike Pernack
February 7, 2016
Sorry to see this 5 months after his passing. He was a gentleman and wonderful to work with. I was his Architect and made his house more accessible for him during his fight with ALS. MIKE PERNACK
Jeff Logan
December 9, 2015
I had not seen this until now, so apologies for the belated posting. Bill was an invaluable mentor to myself and so many others here at Nordstrom. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work for him, with him and most importantly to learn from him. He most definitely is missed.
Jeff Logan
Jim Wakefield
November 23, 2015
So sorry to hear of Doug's passing. We ran around as teens at Centralia High School and Centralia College. Had many great times together. Jim and Suzanne Wakefield
November 4, 2015
So many happy memories of times spent together with you and your family over the years. You will be missed.
Kathy Kelly
KAREN THURNAU
October 28, 2015
We have lost a dear and special friend. We met Bill at a mutal friends house about 45 years ago. We played cards, had many laughs, only to learn that we lived in Broadview (at a house he looked at to buy). He was a guest in our home for many celebrations. Bill love desserts! Especially pie! I won't roll another crust without remembering our dear friend.
With our love and prayers for Bill and his beloved family,
The Thurnau Family
Frank, Karen, Scott, & Jami
Ed Goebel
October 27, 2015
Sad to hear of Doug's passing. He was a great guy who lived well. We were classmates at Centralia High School.
Kate Guthrie
October 19, 2015
Bill Douglas Breitenstein
Services will be November 14, 2015 at 1:00pm at:
Christ the King Catholic Church
405 North 117th Street
Seattle, WA 98133
In lieu of flowers please donate to his favorite charities: Providence Hospice and ALS. See info below.
Providence Hospice of Seattle Foundation
donate online in his name: www.hospiceofseattle.org
425 Pontius Ave. N, #300
Seattle, WA 98109
Office phone (206) 320-7188
ALS
donate online in his name: www.alsa.org
Evergreen Chapter
19226 66th Ave S
Suite L-105
Kent, WA 98032
Phone 1: 425-656-1650
Phone 2: 866-786-7257
Fax: 425-656-1649
[email protected]
Peter Simkins
October 17, 2015
I have many fond memories of Bill. I will never forget him waking his boys up like clockwork to head out on the paper route at the crack of dawn. A tireless worker who always gave when it counted most. He taught me the value of saving and hard work and made me a much better person. You will always be remembered, thank you so much.
Karin Jordan
October 15, 2015
Thinking of you Kate, Marc and Eric.
Penny Ridderbusch
October 13, 2015
Bill hired me for my first post-college job as an accountant at Nordstrom in 1975. I will always be grateful to him for teaching me valuable skills in documentation, materiality, and meeting deadlines. It was a pleasure to work for and with Bill.
In the Nordstrom Accounting Department, we made a point of celebrating staff birthdays, with the person having the previous birthday making the goodies for the next birthday. My birthday was the next one after Bill's. I was impressed that HE always made the cake for my birthday - and it was always something really good!
I was saddened to hear of his passing.
Mary and Terry Makowski
October 13, 2015
He's 'Mr. Bill' to many. Whether as a boss or co-worker at Nordstrom, he was held in high regard. Intelligent, honest and fair, always pushing you to excel.
Bill's shining personality allowed for lasting friendships beyond work that will never be forgotten (as my husband and I continue today with Susan). We shared many memories of their trips and he often spoke of his love of his entire family. He truly wanted to live life to it's fullest.
We'll miss him and treasure each moment we had together.
Alex Johnson
October 12, 2015
Susan and family,
As you, and everyone else who was greatly fortunate to know Bill, was an incredible man to the end. Wonderful through kindness and support, and tough as nails to never give up hope and keep fighting. Things will be different without him physically here, but his aura and the good that he has shown us all, will always and forever remain.
Stacy Hays
October 12, 2015
Love you guys
Kate Guthrie
October 12, 2015
I love you dad.
Kaye and Chris Rowland
October 12, 2015
We are so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a wonderful neighborr and such and kind man. We wish you comfort Susan, and to all of the family.
Alice Coakley
October 12, 2015
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
October 12, 2015
All of your memories are appreciated. We all experienced different sides of my father. I saw him when he was at his best and his worst, and at all times he acted kind and with respect for everyone. He never had a negative word to say about anyone or anything. I strive daily to be like him in so many ways and think of it as a compliment when people say I am like him. He will be missed dearly especially by his grand children who he very much enjoyed spending time with and they with him.
David and Patricia Edwards
October 12, 2015
With our deepest sympathies for Susan and Family.
ELIZABETH
October 11, 2015
Dear Susan,
I am so sorry to read the news of your husband's passing today. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With affection,
Elizabeth Jarrett (Beth Morris)
Jacque Heidanus
October 11, 2015
I worked at Nordstrom during the time that Bill was there. I was fond of him for that twinkle in his eye and friendly demeanor even though our paths only crossed in the lunchroom, halls and elevators. My condolences to his family and friends.
Brigitte Fortin
October 11, 2015
Our condolences to Susan and the family. Bill was a good neighbor who was always kind to our kids. He will be remembered.
The Johnsons.
October 11, 2015
To Susan;Kate,Mark,Eric,.@ family. We were just asking each other last week wondering how Bill was,we had not heard from anyone for a long time. I was sadden to read this am paper. Our prayers our with Bill and all the family. We had some good times when the kids were all young. Take care John and Darlene heider and family.
Charlene Fetter
October 10, 2015
I also was very sorry to read of Bill's passing. I worked with Bill as his receptionist/administrative assistant at Nordstrom for several years. I found him to be a delightful person, and one who helped me grow professionally and personally. Bill always gave me more tasks and assignments than I thought I could accomplish, helping me realize in the process that I was underestimating my abilities. Someone recently asked who my favorite boss was over the years, and I immediately said "Bill Breitenstein, for sure."
But I not only valued Bill as my "boss," I also valued his friendship deeply. Bill always gave great advice, but in a gentle, subtle way. I know he loved his children with his whole heart, and his parenting was a wonderful model for me in raising my own daughter. I loved our walks downtown for lunch, and if I listen quietly, I think I can still hear Bill's delightful laugh.
Rest peacefully, Bill, and thank you for your friendship.
October 10, 2015
My condolences to the Breitenstein family. Bill was a client of mine while he was a senior leader of the Nordstrom Finance team. I will always remember Bill for being the consummate gentleman. He was well appointed, in the classic Nordstrom way, fair and honest in his business dealings and an intelligent man who I looked to for advice. The accounting profession in Seattle will miss him.
Sincerely,
Michael Morgan
October 10, 2015
My condolences to the Breitenstein family. Bill was a client of mine for a number of years while he was a key leader of the Finance team at Nordstrom. I will remember Bill for being well appointed in the classic Nordstrom way, fair and honest in our business dealings and always the consummate gentleman. The accounting profession has lost good man.
Sincerely,
Michael Morgan
Sreve & Carol Olson
October 10, 2015
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We had so many good times together. Thinking of the family, love and prayers.
October 10, 2015
I was so sad to read about Bill in the Times this morning. I enjoyed working with him for many years at Nordstrom. He was fun, thoughtful, and smart, and he taught me a lot. My condolences to all of you in his wonderful family.
Sincerely, Linda Toschi Finn
Francis Wanja
October 10, 2015
You were a model human being. I will truly miss you Doug.
Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results
Make a Donation
in Bill Breitenstein's name
Memorial Events
for Bill Breitenstein
How to support Bill's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bill Breitenstein's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
