Alfred Peter Breitbach, Jr.

Al Breitbach, 99 of Waukee, (formerly of Des Moines) passed away (peacefully) on July 15, 2024.  A visitation will be July 23rd, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be July 24th, 12:00 noon at Basilica of St. John, 1915 University, Des Moines, IA.  Interment will follow at Glendale Cemetery.

Alfred Peter Breitbach, Jr. loving husband, father, and grandfather was born May 19, 1925 in Cascade, IA.  He was the son of Anna (Rettenmeyer) and Alfred Peter Breitbach, Sr.  He grew up in Farley, IA and graduated from high school in 1943. After joining the Navy, he served on two different aircraft carriers in World War II and the Korean War.  The USS Wasp and the USS Lake Champlain.  He later earned a degree in Economics from Loras College, and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Iowa.  On April 14, 1951 Al married Rita Kutsch at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque, IA.  They moved to Council Bluffs, IA in 1952, and then to Des Moines three years later to settle and raise their family.

Al worked for Iowa Power and Light Company in Des Moines for over 30 years.  He walked to work every day (weather permitting). He retired in 1985.  Al and his family were members of St John’s Catholic Church, where he was active in parish life.  He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.  He was a lector, helped on a money counting team, and called bingo games.  He was devoted to his family and always played with his six children, and later his many grandchildren.  He enjoyed telling jokes, good or bad, and he laughed loudly and often.  If he could make you laugh, he was happy.  He was a kid at heart and always the life of the party.

Al enjoyed taking vacations with his family, especially many summer trips to Colorado.  In later years he took many trips with Rita, their siblings, and a few friends. He was dedicated fully to Rita and they enjoyed numerous happy times together. He greatly enjoyed attending Dowling High School football, basketball, and baseball games.  He loved playing cards, especially cribbage – a game he taught to his children and grandchildren. He always had a ballgame to watch on TV, and usually a cold beverage to go along with the game.

Al is survived by his five children: Alecia (Gene) Leggitt of Phoenix, AZ; Jerry (Sally) Breitbach of Johnston, IA, Connie (Dan) Maahs of Clive, IA; DJ (Kim) Breitbach of Pleasant Hill, MO; and Paul (Katie) Breitbach of Iowa City, IA.; 17 grandchildren,  20 great-grandchildren, and brother-in-law Charlie Kutsch.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Rita (2010), his daughter Christine (2023), one brother and three sisters.

A Big Thank You to Ellen, Jesse and all the staff at Independence Village in Waukee for loving our dad and taking such good care of him.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Basilica of St. John, in Des Moines.