Mark A. Breitung

Our beloved Papa, Mark “Toby” Breitung, passed away on March 23, 2026, at the age of 86. Toby was more than a husband, dad, grandpa, and papa, he was our storyteller, our steady presence, our biggest supporter, and the heart of our family. Born on June 22, 1939, in Fond du Lac, where he grew up and graduated from L.P. Goodrich High School in 1957. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin and Ripon College before proudly serving his country in the United States Army from 1958 to 1962. On December 28, 1962, he married Joan Dart, the “girl of his dreams” and together they built a life full of laughter, traditions, and unwavering love. Toby dedicated nearly 40 years as a Journeyman Machinist at Giddings & Lewis. He also served his community with pride as a firefighter and EMS provider for the Village of North Fond du Lac from 1970 to 1996, including time as Assistant Chief and Training Officer. He was one of the founding members of the Blue-Line Hockey Club and spent many years coaching girls’ softball and basketball, always showing up for others the way he did for his own family. He was an avid outdoorsman who found his peace fishing on Lake Winnebago, taking boat rides to the middle of nowhere, sturgeon spearing, pheasant and deer hunting, and fly-fishing trout streams. No matter where life took him, the west shore of Lake Winnebago was always home and everyone was welcome to stop by, grab a beverage, take in the view, and listen to his favorite jazz music. Toby had a lifelong love for the Green Bay Packers, attending his first game at just nine years old when his father bought season tickets to support their friend Curly Lambeau. Toby and Joan were proud season ticket holders for many years and never missed a home game, no matter the weather or windchill. He even took Joan to a Packers game on their first date, a tradition of love and loyalty that never faded. He stayed active throughout his life, playing softball until the age of 50, golfing in the annual Dove Open, and continuing to give back through his involvement in the West Shore Fishing Club and volunteer sturgeon guard. In retirement, he worked as a pharmacy courier for Agnesian Healthcare/SSM and an active member Giddings & Lewis Oldsters. Toby will be remembered for his quick wit, his limericks, his traditions, and the countless silly anecdotes that brought laughter to every room. He had a way of making life feel full, simple, and good. Toby is survived by his daughters Marcia (Breitung) Mueller and Amy (Breitung) Reid, two grandchildren Kelsey (Wade) Vincent and Logan Mueller, two great-grandchildren Duke and Emmitt Vincent, brother John (Susan) Breitung, brother-in-law John (Mary) Dart. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Joan, daughter Faith, sister-in-law Karen Dart, his parents Raymond and Orpha (Dille) Breitung, and his in-laws John and Mary (Crowley) Dart. He was once asked how he wanted to be remembered and said, “I was a good co-worker, that I was a fair supervisor, that I served my community and somehow made things better, that I was honest and trustworthy and that I lead a life of Christian values. Don’t be sad, or I may come back to haunt you. I am sure that I made many mistakes, but I tried my best. I love you all…” VISITATION: A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Kurki Funeral Chapel, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac, WI, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, followed by prayer service and military salute. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the West Shore Fishing Club to support bridge maintenance and safe ice travel during sturgeon spearing season, one of his favorite places and a community he truly loved. West Shore Fishing Club N9699 Lakeshore Drive, Van Dyne, WI 54979. A special thank you to Van Dyne First Responders, NFDL EMS, St. Agnes Hospital ER, 5 West, and Agnesian Hospice for all of the care provided. Although we wish we had more time, we are so grateful for the time we had. We had the best time.

Mark A. Breitung

June 22, 1939 - March 23, 2026