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Donald Breid 01/29/2025

Donald Breid 01/29/2025

Donald W. Breid, age 78 of New Richmond, WI died on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at the St. Croix Health Center after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s.  Don was born on August 28, 1946, the second child of three, and only son, to William H. and Dorothy Breid in the small north central Minnesota town of Wadena.

He attended Wadena Elementary School and graduated from Wadena Public High School with the class of 1964 where he lettered three years in football and track and two years in basketball.

Don completed two years of college at Moorhead State in Moorhead, MN and then transferred to the University of Minnesota.  He went on to three full years of work in a hospital setting at Metropolitan Medical Center to fulfill his Conscientious Objector Status during the time of the Vietnam War.  Don Later moved to Chicago where he joined a group of friends who jointly bought a 120 acre hobby farm in western, Wisconsin.

On November 29, 1980, Don was married to Ruth M. Egerer, and the couple became sole owners of the 120 acre hobby farm.  Don and his wife played dance band music for 11 years, while he picked up various jobs including hospital, truck driving and electrical wiring positions.  Over the years they enjoyed their two adopted dogs and four adopted cats and the many opportunities for flower and vegetable gardening.

Don received a B.A. degree in English from the University of Minnesota in 1990, and went on to write newspaper articles, song compositions for musicals, and also graded student writing for national standardized tests.  He also received a Legal Assistant degree and worked for various law firms on large litigation cases, as well as working three years at Green Tree Financial Services.

Music was always one of Don’s greatest joys and something he and his wife enjoyed sharing with others.  Don always felt best when sharing God’s message through music and his photographs of God’s beauty in nature that surrounds everyone.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorothy Breid; sister, Lynnell Breid; and his grandparents.  He is survived by his wife, Ruth Egerer; sister, Noralee (Dennis) Walters of Mentor, MN, sister-in-law, Charlotte Egerer of Detroit, MI; niece, Leanne (Scott) Taft of Brooklyn Center, MN; and nephew, Larry Pelant and Larry’s son, Kyle Pelant of Le Center, MN.

A Celebration of Don’s Life was held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 11 am at the New Richmond United Methodist Church 209 E 2nd St, New Richmond, WI.  Visitation was held on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 4-8 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 728 S Knowles Avenue New Richmond, WI and on Saturday from 10-11 am at the church.  Interment will be in the New Richmond Cemetery at a later date.  Memorial may be directed to the New Richmond United Methodist Church.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch the recording of Don’s service

10 Comments

  • Dale and Pegi Fleming Posted January 30, 2025 4:12 pm

    Ruth, sending you prayers and hugs as you travel this part of the journey … Don was amazing and we’re glad to have known him.

  • Marilyn Jess Posted January 31, 2025 4:44 am

    We will all miss him.

  • Laura K Sather Lemunyete Posted February 5, 2025 4:54 am

    Sending you comfort and hugs from Kenya on your loss. I always enjoyed chatting with Don on my visits to UMC when in Wisconsin. Thinking of you and circling you with light. Laura

  • Michelle Schuyy Posted February 6, 2025 8:20 am

    It has been a long time since we have seen you. It seems you and Don had quite a challenge these past years. So good that he could leave us with the support of family and friends. You have lots of good memories to help with this transition. I sure remember lots of “adventures” from those early days at the farm. I was so glad that you and Don were able to buy it and live there for several years. It is a beautiful piece of land.

  • Lucy Altemus Posted February 7, 2025 5:19 pm

    Thinking of you Ruth. Our condolences. More in a card to come.

  • Marlene Hanson Posted February 7, 2025 7:21 pm

    So very sorry to hear

    that Don had passed away. He showed so much courage in his life. Prayers for you that God will give you comfort and strength each day.
    Love and Hugs to you!

  • Kathy Braeunig Posted February 8, 2025 10:37 am

    Thinking of you today, Ruth, with much sympathy and affection. Looking back on the good days we spent together on the farm so many years ago. Such good memories!

  • Pat Zealley Posted February 10, 2025 2:01 pm

    Dear Ruth, thinking of you and remembering time spent with you and .Don. You made beautiful music together. May the days ahead be filled with Peace and .Healing in this time of loss. With love.

  • Diane FIITE Posted February 10, 2025 2:22 pm

    Ruth, my sympathy to you. May God meet you with comfort, care, support and God’s love.

  • Ann Spindt Henschel Posted February 10, 2025 5:43 pm

    Dear Ruth, may you find comfort and peace in God’s grace and love, as you grieve Don’s passing and celebrate his life. My heart is with you, knowing the long road you’ve navigated.

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