A lifelong resident of Shakopee, Albert Breeggemann, age 90, entered eternal life Tuesday, January 12, 2016. The center of life was his strong faith. Life was enriched and fulfilled with family and God entrusted Albert with farming of his land. Hardworking, honorable, faithful and persistent are qualities Albert expressed in life, but it is quietness, an open heart, love and a big smile that was cherished by his family.

The Parish of St. Joachim and Anne (Marystown) hosted a visitation on January 14, with the Mass of Christian Burial on January 15 at 11 am, with Father Gene Pouliot. Pallbearers are Tony Bongaart, Melissa Johnson, Josh Breeggemann, Annie Toenyan, Jeff Henning, Chris Vourlos, Nicole Mack, Scott Breeggemann, Matt Breeggemann, Matt Seifert, John Breeggemann, and Charlie Breeggemann. Interment at St. Mary of Marystown Catholic Cemetery.

On the Breeggemann homestead in Marystown, Henry and Elizabeth (Dietrich) Breeggemann, had a baby boy they name Albert Mathias born on July 14, 1925. He was the fourth youngest of twelve children. Albert was raised helping on the farm, where he grew quite fond of the horses. This love of horses continued throughout his life. On the farm, he was responsible for the work and care of the horses. Albert attended Marystown Catholic School, when his shoes weren’t hidden behind the dresser that is. When Albert was young, he jumped on a sled and chipped his front teeth, resulting in a lifetime of two gold teeth!!!

On January 22, 1945, Albert, age 19, was drafted in the United States Army. Basic training was at Fort Roberts, AK, he was then shipped to Okinowa and later flown to Japan. Albert got bored and entered the Army Air Corps. He was responsible for cleaning up after the war and discharged in October of 1946. Albert returned to farming and at the same time, he began working for Continental Machines in Savage in November 1951. After 35 years, Albert retired and continued working on the farm with his son, Roger.

Albert met a merry widow, Helen Elizabeth Mayerhofer from Jordan, at Mertz Dance Hall. They courted and on May 6, 1952 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan, Albert and Helen were joined in Holy Matrimony. He immediately embraced, Helen’s son, Greg into his arms. Over the next 17 years, Albert and Helen welcomed 11 more children and experienced the birth and passing of infant son, Joseph.

First living in Shakopee, until Albert and Helen had six children, they then bought the Wessel farm across the street from the Breeggemann homestead in 1959. Albert and Helen had the last half of the family on the farm and kept the whole dozen busy and out of trouble. The farm was his love. Albert enjoyed milking cows, working with the horses and working side by side with his sons and brothers, Roman, Leon and Donnie. The Breeggemann brothers were instrumental in the building of Zumbro Avenue; hauling in gravel by horse and wagon and manually shoveling the gravel out of the wagon accomplished this.

Albert lived life through his strong faith in God and for all of his family, especially by praying the rosary. It was his family that was most important and gave him the greatest joy. Early on, the family enjoyed fishing, attending Marystown baseball games and church functions. They too enjoyed vacations at Horseshoe Lake and the Fourth of July picnics. Later on, it was with the birth of his grandchildren that Albert really learned how to smile…and later lovingly referred to as, “Smiley.” He enjoyed western movies and old time music. Meals had to have meat and potatoes, but it was the dessert Albert relished the most. Exercise was important too. Since his military years, 25 push up started the day. In 1975, Albert was diagnosed with colon cancer requiring him to walk 2-5 miles a day, which he remained faithful up to the last year or so.

Forever loved and missed by wife of 63 years, Helen; children, Greg (Monica) Bongaarts, Sam (Cindy) Breeggemann, Marty (Sue) Breeggemann, Lani (Tom) Henning, Nellie (Jerry) Menden, Dennis (Linda) Breeggemann, Alan (Lisa) Breeggemann, Phil (Tarri) Breeggemann, Becky (Pete) Seifert, Roger (Cathy) Breeggemann, Marvin (Kris) Breeggemann; son-in-law, Larry (Barb) Dvorak; 51 grandchildren; 68 great-grandchildren; sister; Mary Klehr; sisters-in-law, Severin Breeggemann, Margaret Breeggemann, Marian Breeggemann; other loving relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by daughter, Teresa Dvorak “Teri”; infant son, Joseph: grandchildren, Michael Breeggemann, Nathan Breeggemann, Victoria Breeggemann, Katrina Breeggemann; parents; siblings, Roman (Tillie), Frank “Fritz” (Toots), Rosanna (Alois) Theis, Lawrence, Alvira (Andrew) Menke, Loretta (LeRoy) Solheid, Joseph (Rita), Clarence “Dan”, Leon, Donald: brothers-in-law, Ted Klehr and Dick Klehr.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Breeggemann family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com

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