Ewert Breitkreuz, 104 years old, of Stevensville passed away into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, February 22, 2016, surrounded by his family.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12:00 PM Friday, February 26, 2016, at Napier Parkview Baptist Church, 245 W. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor, MI, with Pastor J. O. Hosler officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit before the service from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Napier Parkview Baptist Church. Those wishing to leave a condolence for the family may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Ewert was born on May 2, 1911, to Christoph and Julianna (Wahl) Breitkreuz in Klodtken, and grew up in Landskron, Germany. As many did at that time, he joined the army after high school (at the age of 17) to serve his country. On July 2, 1941 he married the love of his life Ursula Schneider by proxy. A church ceremony was performed by August Schneider, Ursula’s father, a minister, at their home in Marienwerder, East Germany.
After beginning their family, they immigrated to America with their two young daughters. They settled in southwest Michigan where they had another daughter. Ewert began his second career as a plumber with ACE Plumbing located in St. Joseph, MI, retiring after 22 years. Ewert liked to be independent and maintained and managed his properties. He was also a devoted member of his church, dedicated to his faith and to his family. Ewert had a fascination for clocks, and you wouldn’t see him without his watch.
Ewert is survived by his wife Ursula; daughters Gisela (Robert) Kowaleski of Bradenton, FL; Marianne (Thomas) Daniels of Blomingdale, IL; Susanne Breitkreuz; grandchildren Rachael (Keith) Swearingen); Rebecca (Kyle) Howard; Annette (Ryan) Harvey; seven great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews, who will all miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings; Ewald (Liesel) Breitkreuz); Erich (Irmgard) Breitkreuz; Erwin (Edith) Breitkreuz; Ehrenfried Breitkreuz; and Julianna Breitkreuz.