Christine Marie Breitbach

Christine Breitbach, 67, of Des Moines passed away peacefully on Sunday April 23, 2023. Visitation will be May 8th at Basilica of St. John in Des Moines from 10:30 to Noon, with Mass immediately following.

The family would like to invite you to a luncheon at the church following Mass.

Christine Marie Breitbach, loving sister and friend, was born January 4, 1956 in Des Moines, Iowa. She was the daughter of Rita and Alfred Breitbach, the third of six children. She grew up in Des Moines and attended St. John’s Grade School and Dowling Catholic High School, graduating from there in 1975. She lived at home with Rita and Al throughout her life, even late into her adulthood, until she entered a Care Facility in 2019 after a mild stroke.

Chris was born with Spina Bifida, which limited her mobility throughout her life. During a variety of health issues in her life, she was always prayerful and kept a positive outlook. She was able to drive, and performed volunteer work and some part-time employment. One of her favorite things to do was to play with nieces and nephews when they visited.

Chris enjoyed watching sports on TV. Her favorite sports teams were the St. Louis Cardinals and Iowa State. Her favorite activity was conversing on the telephone. She enjoyed talking with friends, cousins, and her siblings who lived out of town. It was a great way for Chris to keep in touch with everyone since she didn’t travel often. She greatly enjoyed knowing what was going on with all of her relatives. She liked attending dinners and events with her parents at St. John’s Catholic Church.

Chris enjoyed doing crafts, reading magazines, playing cards, and watching her favorite TV shows with mom & dad. The three of them often enjoyed lively discussion at home. When her mom passed away, Chris continued her often spirited dialogue with her dad.

Chris was preceded in death by her mother Rita (2010). She is survived by her dad Al of Waukee, IA; Her five siblings Alecia (Gene) Leggitt of Phoenix, AZ; Jerry (Sally) Breitbach of Saylorville, IA; Connie (Dan) Maahs of Clive, IA; DJ (Kim) Breitbach of Kansas City, MO; and Paul (Katie) Breitbach of Iowa City, IA; Her 17 nieces & nephews Joseph, Jennifer, Adrienne, Chrissie, Tony, Teresa, Andrew, Nick, Matt, John, Stephen, Kacey, Milo, Abbey, Jason, Noah, Peter and many great nieces and nephews.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Basilica of St. John.