Joseph Breitenstein

Joseph Edward Breitenstein, 86, Topeka, passed away Monday, November 5, 2012. Joseph Breitenstein was born near Paxico, Kansas on March 19, 1926. He was the son of Henry John Breitenstein and Ottilia Schuetze and was a graduate of Paxico Rural High School. Mr. Breitenstein was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War and also the Army Reserves. He graduated from Kansas State University with a BS Accounting degree with honors, later studying at USC, Northwestern and Washburn Universities. He was a member of Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary business fraternity. He worked for the Santa Fe Railroad in the Accounting Department and retired as Manager of Forecasting and Statistics. Mr. Breitenstein was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Knights of Columbus, Council No. 534 and the James W. Gibbons Fourth Degree Assembly. On November 16, 1963 he was married to Lucy Meinhardt Grice. She survives. He is also survived by one son, Joseph A. Breitenstein (Brandy) Overland Park KS; four step-daughters, Linda Gaulding (Bill, dec.) Lenexa KS, Cara McNair (Joe) Overland Park KS, Kim Ross (Mike) Castle Rock CO, Mary Smith (Chad) Lawrence KS; and one step-son, Alfred Grice, Jr. (Edna) Chino CA; one grandchild, nine step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. After his retirement, he was an active volunteer for many Topeka non-profit organizations, including Historic Ward Meade Park and Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners. In addition, he was an officer and board member for Gardeners of America, Santa Fe Credit Union, Topeka Genealogical Society and Topeka Garden Council. The deceased was widely recognized for his expertise in gardening and German genealogical research and had German research articles published in various nationally known genealogical publications. In addition to Topeka Genealogical Society, he was also a member of Wabaunsee County Historical Society, German Research Association, German Genealogical Society of America, Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society and Oberholzer Family Association. Mr. Breitenstein’s family will greet friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd. Topeka, KS 66614, where a parish rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial with military honors will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Newbury KS. Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Genealogical Society or Benedictine Sisters Retirement Fund, sent in care of the funeral home.

Joseph Breitenstein

March 19, 1926 - November 5, 2012