Obituary of Howard Breckenfeld

Howard Breckenfeld, 88, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, died on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at Vista Medical Center East, Waukegan. Howard was born January 20, 1921 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and moved to this area as a teenager from Racine, Wisconsin. He was a longtime active member of Winthrop Harbor United Methodist Church. Howard retired from OMC in 1986. He was Mayor of Winthrop Harbor in the early 1960's and was a member of the American legion. He served with the United State Navy during World War II in the South Pacific and was recipient of the Purple Heart from injuries received. After his family, the Church was his life. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Ruth; children, Bruce (Joanna) Breckenfeld of Carrollton, Texas, Susan (Tony) Hladky of Wildwood, Missouri and Brian Breckenfeld of Winthrop Harbor; four grandchildren, Ted (Tina) Breckenfeld, Ellen (Brian) Shaunessy, Christopher Hladky and Kara Hladky; three great-grandchildren, Hanna and Garret Breckenfeld and Molly Hladky; one brother, Jim Breckenfeld of Winthrop Harbor; and one sister-in-law, Gloria Breckenfeld of Winthrop Harbor. He was preceded in death by one brother, Herbert "Jack" Breckenfeld; one sister-in-law, June Breckenfeld; and his parents, William and Clara Breckenfeld. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. at the Winthrop Harbor United Methodist Church, 600 College Avenue, Winthrop Harbor, with Rev. Dr. Ronald Greene officiating. Memorial donations to Winthrop Harbor United Methodist Church have been suggested.