Bob succumbed to a heart attack in 2012. Below is his obituary.
Robert Burton Breckenfeld D.O., a resident of Brighton, and native of Okemos, died unexpectedly after suffering a heart attack in northern Michigan on August 1, 2012.
Born in Kirksville, Missouri, on February 21, 1944, Bob was the son of Irving James Breckenfeld and Helen Adele Burton Breckenfeld. He grew up in Okemos, Michigan, having moved there with his family when he was four years old. After graduating from Okemos High School, he attended Michigan State University, and later… Chicago Osteopathic School of Medicine. He began his career at Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills, Michigan, after finishing medical school. "Dr. B.", as he was affectionately called, would go on to practice for over thirty-seven years as an Emergency Room physician at Botsford.
In addition to practicing medicine, Bob had many other interests. His blood ran green, and consequently the fall and winter months were always scheduled around the next MSU football or basketball game. He religiously played golf with his childhood friends Vern, Ron, and brother Bill. Bob loved music and frequently attended folk and country music concerts with friends. He loved playing the guitar, and became more familiar with the piano in his later years. Bob spent many hours outdoors, as he loved all aspects of nature. He was an avid birdwatcher, enjoyed photographing landscapes, and spent much time trekking through various habitats.
Bob and his first wife, Debbie, married and moved to Milford, Michigan, in 1975. There they raised their four children, Jill, Jane, John and Joyce. Bob passed along his love for nature and sports to all of his children, as he frequently spent time with them outside gardening, going on walks, tending the apple tree, pitching softballs and shooting baskets. Bob was his kids' biggest fan, as he faithfully attended their softball and baseball games, basketball games, cross country and track meets, piano recitals and vocal music concerts.
After divorcing later in life, Bob married Kathleen Lustig, a lovely woman who Bob dearly cherished. Together, Bob and Kathy enjoyed traveling regularly, gardening, remodeling a home on the Huron River, and spending time with family. "Grandpa Breck" and "Nana Kathy" often took their older grandchildren on exciting excursions, going to parks, fishing, visiting nearby zoos, and even staying the weekend in the city of Chicago. Bob lovingly cared for Kathy as she faced cancer twice, and was devastated when she passed away in January of 2011.
Bob was blessed with many dear friends from all seasons of his life. He never lost contact with many childhood friends from Okemos, including his best friend and neighbor, Bob DeLind. He also enjoyed spending time regularly with colleagues from Botsford and friends and family of Kathy. In recent months, Bob became reaquainted with Linda Miller Rockey, a friend from high school who he called his 'compa?era'. Linda provided Bob friendship and comfort after the tragic loss of Kathy. His faithful friend Nellie, a Labradoodle, accompanied him on several walks daily and provided him much joy.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen M. (Lustig) Breckenfeld, and is survived by his children, Jill (Ben) Thompson, Jane (Anthony) Breckenfeld, John Breckenfeld, and Joyce (Nick) Rundlett; grandchildren, Jamin, Leah, Kort, & Sean Thompson; step-children, Jack Hanlon and Karyn (Aaron) Bocko; brothers, Jim (Jimin) and Bill Breckenfeld; his extended family and many, many dear friends who join his family in both mourning his passing and giving thanks for his life among them.
Bob was interred in Glendale Cemetery, Okemos.
Bob's wife, Kathy, unfortunately passed away from cancer in 2011. Below is her obituary.
Kathleen M. "Kathy" Breckenfeld, passed away peacefully at home in Brighton on January 23, 2011 with her family at her side. She was born November 12, 1949 in Detroit, MI to the late Ray and Betty (McClain) Lustig. She is survived by her husband Bob Breckenfeld; son, Jack Hanlon and daughter, Karyn (Aaron) Bocko; Bob's children, Jill (Ben) Thompson, Jane Breckenfeld, John (Gina) Breckenfeld, and Joyce (Nick) Rundlett; and was Nana Kathy to four grandchildren, Jamin, Leah, Kort and Sean Thompson.… Also surviving are her sisters, Diane (Ray) Schovers and Cindy (Gary) Ritter, a brother, Bill (Jeri) Lustig and many nephews, nieces, cousins and dear friends.
Kathy was retired from Botsford Hospital where she served as an Emergency Room nurse for thirty-seven years.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 2201 S. Old US Highway 23, Brighton, MI 48114, on Wednesday, January 26, at 12 Noon with Fr. Tom McClain, S.J. officiating. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 600 E. Main Street, Brighton, Tuesday 3-9PM, with a Vigil Service at 7PM.
Rodney Ellis (Alumni Assoc. President) (1965)
My freshman year 1961-1962, short and skinny, Bob Breckenfeld was our Phys Ed Assistant in Coach Baker’s gym class. He actually taught us technique and conditioning! He also taught us the rules and fairness. Bob encouraged and inspired us “undersized” ones to find a sport and participate. I really liked him and will always remember my “able instructor”. Rod Ellis '65