John Adrian Breen

John was born July 12, 1924 to John and Catherine (Linnane) Breen on a farm near Cumming, Iowa. He was the youngest of 5 children, attended school at Cumming, Norwalk and Dowling High School. John served with the 7th Armored Division, European Theater. He worked in the trucking industry for 40 years and lived with his family in Elkhart since 1959. John was proud to be a member of Teamsters Local 147, Life member American Ex-POW, DAV, AMVETS, VFW and member of St Mary’s Holy Cross parish. He served as Commander of Mid-Iowa Chapter Ex-POW, Iowa Veteran’s Council; Volunteer at Vet’s and served as former Mayor and Councilman for the City of Elkhart. Family and friends will greatly miss his Irish wit and humor, strength, courage and willingness to offer help, guidance or assistance whenever needed.

Survivors include, wife of over 64 years, Ann (Byers) Breen; sons, Patrick (Barbara) and Michael (Rachelle) of Ankeny, Deborah (Ron) Odgaard of Altoona, and Teresa (Steve) Palmitier of Hinsdale, Ill; grandchildren, Cathy (Gary) Harris, Matt (Nancy) Breen, Ryan (Dr.Laura Dakovich) Odgaard, Mollie (Nick) McCoun, Annie (Larry) Acker, Katie, Joe and Bridget Palmitier, and John and Shelby Breen; great-grandchildren, Kevin, Mitchell and Maria Harris, Michael Olson, Lindsey Dacey, Brandon and Chase Odgaard, and Conner McCoun; loving sister-in-law, Gerry McCleary; nieces and nephews, Cheryl, Steve, Tom, Kevin, John, Michael, Mary Beth, Janet, Rita, Bernadette and Sean.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Mary Ellen (Hubert) McKinney, Honora (Louis) Hanrahan, and Cecilia (Adam) Gosiesky; brother, Maurice (Betty) Breen, brother-in-law, Carroll McCleary; niece, Marilyn McKinney; and nephews, Mark Gosiesky and Greg Hanrahan. John had a great love for his family, friends, trucks and St. Mary’s Holy Cross Church.

The following is John’s version of his obituary.

John A. Breen left here today trucking on a really long haul, his final destination is unknown and under much speculation and discussion by family, friends and acquaintances. After graduation from Dowling High School he was a guest of the German Army on the scenic tour of Northern Germany the winter of 1944-1945, following operation Market Garden in Holland, returning to US in June, 1945. He met his sweet Annie at the Tromar Ballroom and married August 24, 1946. John worked for Caldwell and Hartung before becoming a semi-truck owner operator. John considered himself very blessed to have his wife and family, and was looking forward to his going away party, a time to celebrate his life.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, with a Rosary at 7 p.m., at St Mary’s Holy Cross Catholic Church in Elkhart. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 26, at the church with inurnment following at Elkhart Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family or St Mary’s Holy Cross Church.