Charles James Breen died November 14, 2014 at the Prairie County Nursing Home in Terry, Montana. Charles was born November 20, 1921 to Thomas James Breen and Cecil Clark Breen at their home on Pennel Creek near Baker, Montana. He joined five older siblings, Nellie, Aileen, William (Ike), John (Jack), and Robert (Bob). Later, Francis, David (Jerry), Bernard and Rae (Sally) joined the family.
Charles attended the Clark School in Fallon County through the eighth grade. His first job at age 14 was herding sheep near Decker, Mt. Later he went to Jackson Hole to work with his grandfather and older brother, Ike. Returning to Montana, he delivered mail on horseback south of Baker, then to Prairie County where he worked for the Christenson and Shumaker families on Whitney Creek. He also met Wynona Zehm, a neighbor.
Charles turned 21 just two weeks before Pearl Harbor and any plans for the future were put on hold. November 1943, he was in England as an Army Engineer. He landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day+, having waited in the Channel helping land trucks and heavy equipment. He remembered being unable to see the sun as the sky was so full of planes, all flying in one direction. He crossed France into Belgium at Ardennes. During the Battle of the Bulge, December, 1944, the gas tanks he was transporting were hit spilling a large amount of gas. He drove the truck away from a group of women and children on the roadside and returned to render aid to those injured. Because of his actions that day, he was awarded a citation from the French. He was also awarded the Legion of Merit Award by the United States. After spending time in a field hospital with severe burns to his legs, he rejoined his unit in March, 1945 and was building and repairing bridges on the Rhine River under German fire and only 75 miles from Berlin. In May the war in Europe was over. As he returned home, Charles saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time November 20, 1945…his birthday.
Charles Breen and Wynona Zehm were married in Terry on May 26, 1946. They made their home for 14 years at the Stanley Place working for the Jake Shumaker Ranch. When Wynona’s parents retired, they moved to the Zehm homestead. They raised four children, Peggy, Pat, Dorothy and Deb while farming and ranching south of Terry. Charles farmed for 50 years in Prairie, Custer and Garfield counties. Planting, summer fallowing, and harvest were priorities at the Breen home, as were foot races, fudge and playing cards. The children were blessed to grow up in a community where dads and granddads included kids of any age in their daily activities and made special events of brandings, 4-H taffy pulls, ice skating, hayrides, tobogganing, school programs and picnics. Charlie and Nona spent 66 years together caring for children, animals and the land. Family and community were their foundation.
Charles served as Prairie County Commissioner for 2 terms from 1972-1981 forging a special bond with those also on the board during his tenure: Lee Hubing, Jay Fluss, Dave Schwartz, Lyle Grist and Robert Parker. He was proud that the present hospital was built during his time in office. He was also a 68 year continuous member of the Terry American Legion Post and served in many capacities during that time. Neighbors on the Southside remember his work helping to build and maintain the Ten-Mile Telephone Company until it was sold to Mountain States.
In retirement he enjoyed especially his hunting trips to Wise River with friends and family. Many family stories come from the time spent there with Charlie and Uncle Jerry. One of his favorite things was to have a house full of family and friends. Any young children who came to the Breen home knew that Charlie had a huge container of ice cream from Youngs (later from Schwans) and a special scoop from the State Bank of Terry. Ice Cream was quickly forthcoming! Charlie made the rules at his house concerning the timing for and the amount of ice cream. Children were a great joy for him. Young children were not put off by his birthmark and he accepted easily their questions. His hands were noticed by children for their size and by adults for their strength. Charlie had friends everywhere. Everyone seemed to know him and he was recognized whether in a small diner in a strange town or at Dulles Airport when returning from visiting his son, Pat, at Quantico. He loved hearing “Hello, Charlie”. He was always ready for a visit with a friend, new or old. He was truly a man of the Greatest Generation.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Wynona, his parents, Thomas and Cecil Breen, his sisters, Nellie and Aileen; his brothers, Ike, Jack, Bob, Francis, Jerry and Bernie.
He is survived by his sister, Sally Couture of Billings, his sister-in-law, Phyllis Breen of Jackson, WY; his son, Pat Breen (Vicki) of Mildred; his daughters, Peggy Glasscock (Don) Cody, WY; Dorothy Ban (Darrell) Cheyenne, WY; Deb Junek (Sidney) Forney, TX; his six grandchildren, Jason Ban, Cheyenne, WY; Amy Ban Thomas (Randy), Cheyenne, WY; Bob Breen, Mildred, MT; Melissa Breen, MN; Jessica Junek, Houston, TX; and Haley Junek, Memphis, TN; his three great grandchildren, Jake Huber, Allison and Madison Thomas and the very special nieces and nephews who were in his life.
Visitation will be from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on December 12, 2014, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral Services will be held on December 13, 2014 at the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry at 2 p.m. Interment will be held in the Prairie County Cemetery with full military honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Terry is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials may be made to the Prairie Community Hospital or to the American Legion for the Prairie County Veterans Memorial.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday December 12, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday December 13, 2014
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday December 12, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday December 13, 2014
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, Montana 59349
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Cathy and Gary Kalmback says
Peggy, Pat, Dorothy, Deb & families, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Lorna Pettigrew says
In this time of sadness, I hope you don’t feel alone. You have the love and support of a whole circle of friends and family who will be there for you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Wilson Latrielle says
Thinking of you at this difficult time. No matter the age, it is always hard to lose one’s parent. Trust your good memories will help sustain you.
Carol Larsen says
I know your Dad will be missed and that he is with his Savior now. May you know that all your friends here in Terry and elsewhere are thinking about you and may you find
comfort knowing God loves you.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
We are so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing, the time spent Whitney Creek and working together with the Breen family holds very special memories for Chris and I. Remembering Charlie brings a smile to our faces. May God be with all your family at this time. You have our sincere sympathy.
Robert and Sherry Kirschenmann says
We will miss Uncle Charlie with all our hearts. He is the one that I remember the most. He always stopped and spent the night coming through Hardin. We had great visits. Our hopes and prayers go out to Pat, Deb, Peggy and Dorothy.
Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
To Charlie’s Family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of your beloved Charlie. We are praying that you find comfort and strength in knowing others care, and are thinking of, and praying for you at this difficult time. May warm memories help soften your sorrow, and may faith help you face each tomorrow.
Renee Peterson says
Peggy, Pat, Dorothy, Debby, and Families,
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Your faith will get you through this difficult time. Cherish your happy memories of your father. H was from a generation of men that we will never encounter again. You are blessed in many ways.
Dan and Doris Thielen says
Sorry to read about Charlie’s passing. The Thielen’s have always had fond memories of their old neighbors the Breen’s.
Jo Ella (Beardsley) Swenson says
They say it takes a village to raise a child. In me and my siblings case ( Arn, Jess, Anna), our village was the Whitney Creek Community. Nona and Charlie Breen were always part of our school celebrations, brandings, picnics, rodeos, etc. Mrs. Breen was my first grade teacher and I will always remember her for her laughter, warm smiles, and caring. I’ll always remember Charlie for his smile that never left his face, and for knowing he was a leader in our area that everyone respected. I am thankful for them and I am proud that they were a part of helping to raise the kids in Whitney Creek.
Donald Sterling says
I met Charlie because I was a friend of the late Lee Hubing
while Lee was Sheriff of Terry. He was a class act and
a wonderful person. He sure had a very good life and had
a long run.
Rest in peace Charlie.
Jeannette Larsen says
Sorry for the loss of your dad, I didn’t know he lead such a memoriable life. God bless the memories that you and Vicki both have of Charlie. and God Bless you both.
Jannell Eurich says
Thinking of you and your time of need. Hope the love, prayers and thoughts of friends and loved ones bring you comfort. (friend of Melissa Breen)
Vicki Svihovec Makelky says
Deb & family,
So sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill Zehm says
Our Sympathy to the Breen Family. Remember Charlie as brother-in law and best friend to your Kids.. Of course that always included the nightly dish of ice cream