Herbert Breunling

Herbert P. Breunling, 88, went peacefully home to be with his Lord Jesus on Saturday, May 19, 2007. He died with family and friends at his side at the Whitcomb Tower in St. Joseph. Herb was born March 1, 1919 in St. Joseph to Amalia and Jacob Breunling. Herb, then nicknamed Abe, was proud to grow up a “Sand Rabbit”, living his youth on the beach, on Pine Street (Lions Park Drive) in St. Joe. Herb was baptized, confirmed, and a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. He was an elder, served in several ministries there, and was known and loved by many. Growing up Herb worked at many old familiar places in the area. He caddied at Berrien Hills, flipped burgers at the Tip-Top Cafe, and set pins at the Elks Club bowling alley. Herb graduated from Trinity Lutheran School and St. Joseph High School. After graduation, he joined Whirlpool in 1939. In 1954, he helped introduce the first computers into Whirlpool. He spent his entire career there, served in many positions, and retired from the St. Joseph Division after 42 years. Herb proudly served his country as an Army-Air Force Officer during WWII. While on Christmas furlough in 1942, he married Phyllis Marie Swigert in a wedding ceremony, on Christmas Eve, held in her parents’ living room. They enjoyed a “lavish” honeymoon at the Vincent Hotel in Benton Harbor. While never seeing combat, Herb was stationed in several different states. Herb and Phyllis traveled the country together at that time and, after the war, returned to their much loved hometown of St. Joseph. In later years, Herb and Phyllis both lived at the Whitcomb. They fondly remembered their dating years where they danced on the patio of the former hotel during it’s grand times. In retirement years Herb “staked out” a special spot on the South Pier where he, son, grandkids, brother, and nephews caught buckets full of yellow perch. He also enjoyed gardening, the CUBS, and volunteering at church. The celebration of life service for Herb will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 25, 2007 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Market St, St. Joseph, with Rev. Thomas Batsky officiating. Friends may call from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Friday at the Church. After the service, there will be a lunch served at the church for family and friends. The family will have a private burial service at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph with Military Rites conducted by Coloma American Legion Post #362, VFW Post #1137 in Benton Harbor, and VFW Post #6803 of Watervliet. Herb is survived by his son, Steven (Kay) Breunling of Northville, MI; grandson Paul of Ann Arbor, and brother Erwin “Brit” (Getta) Breunling of St. Joseph. He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis of 62 years; parents, brothers Emil and Alfred, sisters Eleanor Schuknecht and Martha Council, and dear granddaughter Jamie Marie Breunling. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran School in St. Joseph.