Donald M. Breitbarth

Donald Marnell Breitbarth, age 92, late of Clarendon Hills, Il., passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023. Beloved husband of the late Suzanne, he is survived by his children Don (Beth), Larry (Diane), Laurie Nicola (Jim), and Michelle Mahlan (David); cherished grandchildren Scott, Max, Thor, Michael, Julie, Angie, Andy, Matt, and James; sisters Sharon, June, Betty, and brother Earl; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents Jean and Fred; sisters Dorothy, Charlotte, Claudia, and Deloris; and brothers Fred, Wayne, Rich, Bob, Jerry, Clinton, and Walter.

Don was born in Chicago on August 23, 1931 and grew up in the south suburbs, primarily Posen and Oak Forest. Educated through the 8th grade, Don dropped out of school to help support his family, working jobs ranging from a pin-setter at Oak Forest Bowl to an assembly worker for Ford Motor Co.. In the early 50s, Don was fortunate to meet an experienced carpenter who took him under his wing and taught him the trade. Soon thereafter he joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 13 where he was a proud member for the next 55 years. Don met Suzanne Wakeham at a local dance 1959, and after a brief courtship, they were married on January 7th, 1960. Don and Sue took up residence in Tinley Park, Il., where they soon welcomed Donnie, twins Larry and Laurie, and Shelly. The family moved to Peotone, Il. in 1974, where they lived on a 5-acre farm with lots of room for vegetable gardens, flowers, and trees. Don and Sue lived together in Peotone until Sue’s passing in 2010. Don moved to The Birches assisted living home in 2019, where he resided until his passing on December 5th.

From humble beginnings Don created a full and satisfying life, and did it his own way. He had a clear sense of what was right and fair. His high standards were non-negotiable, for himself and everyone else. He knew there were no shortcuts in life and whether he was working, gardening, or having a good time with friends and family, he rarely had an unproductive moment. In his wife’s words, “he should have been a detective” because he never missed the slightest detail. He was a master carpenter; he could fix anything. And he could see past what things were—old cars, derelict houses, or a discarded plumbing fixture on the side of the road—to what they could become with hard work, persistence, and a plan. Few people saw his soft side, but his family did: whatever you needed, whenever you needed it, he would be there. We’re blessed to have had him in our lives.

Visitation for Mr. Breitbarth will be held Sunday, December 10, 2023, 2:00-7:00 PM at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 Harlem Avenue, Tinley Park, IL.
Lying in State Monday, December 11, 2023, 10:00 AM until time of Service 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6850 West 159th Street, Tinley Park, IL. Interment will follow in Beverly Cemetery.