Thomas Joseph Breitbach was born February 11, 1928, the second son of John and Mary (Hoeser) Breitbach, in Circle, MT. He died at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive on March 30, 2014.
Tom grew up on the family farm with his brothers, Fabian and William Breitbach. Following graduation from Circle High School, Tom helped his parents on the farm. In 1952, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served between the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War, and worked as a radio repair man. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and returned home to work on the farm with his brothers. He retired in 1993 but continued to do odd jobs and help his nephews for as long as he was able.
Tom was a creative and inventive farmer, and he experimented endlessly to find better, more efficient ways of doing things.
He was passionate about protecting and preserving the agriculture industry in eastern Montana. To this end, he became involved in the Northern Plains Resource Council, serving as chair of the organization from 1993-1995 and winning the Bob Tully Spirit Award in 1997 for his many years of service.
Tom was also a member of the Co-op Board and the Circle Airport Board, and he had a real love of flying.
Faith was the backbone of Tom’s life. He was a lifelong member at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Circle and served as a eucharistic minister and reader for many years.
Although Tom never married or had children himself, he was very involved in the lives of his nieces and nephews, as well as his grandnieces and grandnephews. Tom lived with his brother, Fabian Breitbach, for much of his life and lovingly cared for him in his final years.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, John Jr., who died at birth, and Fabian. He is survived by one brother, William (Marjorie) Breitbach of Glendive; nephews Paul Breitbach of Lincoln, MT; Patrick Breitbach of Circle, MT; Perry (Audrey) Breitbach of Circle, MT; nieces Mariann (Andy) Mikes of Billings, MT; Roseann (Gary) Knowles of Monmouth, OR; and DeeAnn (Chad) Sutter of Miles City, MT, and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 7, 2014 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Circle followed by a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Circle. Rite of committal will be held at a later date in Riverview Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday April 7, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Circle, MT 59215
Vigil Service
7:00 p.m.
Monday April 7, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 8, 2014
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Circle, Montana 59215
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday April 7, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Circle, MT 59215
Vigil Service
7:00 p.m.
Monday April 7, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 8, 2014
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Circle, Montana 59215
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Elizabeth Froh says
Bill & Marjorie,
I send you my Sympathy to all the Family. Betty Froh,Sauk Centre,Mn.
Amanda Breitbach says
Thinking of you all today and sorry I can’t be there to share and remember. Looking back on his life and his character, I admire Tom for his relentless curiosity, his passions, and his deeply held values. I only hope that I will live my own life so well.