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Robert Breitsprecher
ROBERT WILLIAM BREITSPRECHER
Independence
Robert William Breitsprecher, 87, of Independence, died Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, at UnityPoint-Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.
Bob was born May 26, 1931, in Postville, Iowa, the son of William Henry and Vivian Amanda (Peyer) Breitsprecher. He graduated from Canton High School, Canton, Minn., in 1950 and served in the U.S. Army from Oct. 26, 1951, through July 30, 1953, during the Korean conflict. On May 22, 1956, he was united in marriage to his wife of 62 years, Eileen Marie Riehle, in St. Bridgett's Catholic Church in Bluffton. In 1969, Bob became employed with the Walnut Grove Co. until the company closed in 1986. He also worked for Ag Services, also in Independence, until he retired in 1996.
He was a member of a stock car racing team in Independence. He enjoyed bowling in the Independence bowling league. He worked two jobs most of his adult life to support his family and loved playing cards and spending time with family and friends.
Bob is survived by his wife, Eileen Breitsprecher; his seven children, Marcia (David) Sproul, Jesup, Judy (Kenny) Estling and Dale Breitsprecher, both of Independence, Dean (Kendra) Breitsprecher, Dayton, Mark Breitsprecher and Wayne (Betty) Breitsprecher, both of Independence, and Sherry (John) Osborne, Grinnell; 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Miles Breitsprecher, Mabel, Minn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Vivian Breitsprecher; a sister; Joyce Baker; and a brother Jerry Breitsprecher.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon Friday, Nov. 9, at St. John's Catholic Church in Independence with the Rev. David Beckman and the Rev. John Osborne officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. A celebration of life gathering will be held immediately following the services at the Henderson Event Center in Independence, where a military memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m.
Reiff Family Center's Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please go to www.reifffamilycenter.com under obituaries.
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