Harold J. Breidel

Harold J. Breidel, 82, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, devoted husband and loving father, passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2014 surrounded by his family.
Harold was born on August 12, 1932 to Joseph and Helen (Swartz) Breidel in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Harold served with the U.S. Army and was a proud veteran of the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on January 12, 1955. He met the love of his life LaVonne Simpson while bartending at Shorty’s Bar. They were married on September 3, 1953 at St. John’s Catholic Church in La Crosse. Harold and LaVonne happily celebrated 61 years of wedded bliss on September 3, 2014. For most of his working life, Harold was employed by Williams Construction Company as an equipment operator. He excelled at this occupation and took great pride in his work. At the age of 50, Harold embarked upon one of his biggest dreams – owning his own company, Breidel’s Excavating Service. His son, Randall Breidel, and son-in-law, Paul Leske, joined him in this pursuit and Harold was very proud that he could work with his family in an occupation that he loved. LaVonne’s declining health lead Harold to reinvent himself yet again, and he joined the Pizza Hut family as a pizza delivery person. He took great pride and satisfaction in his job and thoroughly enjoyed working with the never-ending stream of young people. He took a sincere interest in their lives and many became his friends. Harold finally retired from the working world after 15 years at Pizza Hut.
Harold and LaVonne enjoyed many adventures together but their favorite pursuit was their many outings to the casinos in and around La Crosse. As declining health issues took over, Harold never lost his quick wit and humor and faced all challenges with dignity.
As his mobility issues and caregiving responsibilities for LaVonne increased, he spent more time indoors pursuing his various hobbies including model trains, crafts and video games. Whenever his children visited, the video game challenge was always on! And, of course, who could forget his passion for the Green Bay Packers. Football games were sacred and nothing stood in his way of watching the game.
Survivors include his wife, LaVonne, four children, Deborah (Michael) Gregoire, Jana (John) Maternowski, Randall (Roxanne) Breidel and Sandra (Paul) Leske, eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, who all enjoyed him immensely; one sister, Betty Ann (Gene) Gerke, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him greatly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Helen (Swartz) Breidel.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 12, 2104 at the Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse. Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call at the funeral home of Friday from 10 AM until the time of service.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude and thanks to the doctors and staff at Mayo Clinic Health Systems for the care and compassion given to Harold and his family during this incredibly difficult time.