Detta Breitbach

Funeral Mass for Bernadette “Detta” Breitbach, 94, of Baker, will be 10:30 am, Monday, April 17, 2023 at St. John’s Catholic Church with Father Philip Chinnappan celebrating.  A graveside service will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation for Bernadette will be Sunday, April 16, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker with a rosary and time of sharing taking place at 3:30 pm.

Bernadette passed away April 10, 2023 at Fallon Medical Long-term Care in Baker.

Bernadette Mary was born September 5, 1928 in Aldrich, MN, the daughter to Matthew and Mary (Hehir) Gappa.  Growing up she attended grade school in Lambert, Richey and Circle and graduated from Circle High School in 1946.  She then attended the College of Great Falls for one year. Bernadette married Howard Breitbach on September 10, 1949 in Circle, MT.  In 1951, they moved to Baker, MT. Their marriage was blessed with ten children.  Detta was a devoted wife and mother, raising her children and providing a daycare from their home.  She was also a bookkeeper for Midland Lumber and Fallon Medical Complex.  She enjoyed her couples Bridge Club. Mom enjoyed baking, especially breads because she liked the feeling of the dough in her hands.  Her family loved her ring-a-lings and spudnuts.  Mom had a love for quilting and belonged to several quilt clubs throughout the years. She loved music and attending school concerts and music festivals. She passionately organized her calendar to follow and listen to the sports games that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participated in. She also enthusiastically followed Notre Dame Football.  Detta was a pillar of faith.  She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, St. John’s Altar Society, Catholic Daughters and a church organist for over 40 years. She shared her time and talent over the years in making over 40,000 rosaries for worldwide missions, family and friends.

Detta is survived by her sons, Kenneth of Bismarck, ND,Tony (Rita) of Baker, MT, Rod (Karen) of Bismarck, ND, David (Jerri) of Baker, MT, Thomas (Marci) of Baker, MT, Greg (Kara) of Stevens Point, WI; daughters, Beverly (Joe) Mayernik of Lewistown, MT, Mary (Mitch) Anderson of Sidney, MT, Laurie (Doug) Vanderpan of Bismarck, ND, Sharon (Pat) Boehmer of Carrington, ND; sister, Kay Fleming; brother-in-law, Max Overstreet; sister-in-law, Doline Schlepp; 25 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew and Mary Gappa; husband, Howard Breitbach (2009); sister, Jackie Overstreet.