Michael James Breitenbach

Breitenbach, Michael James

Of Jackson, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at the age of 84 years.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia; children, Mike, Traci, Tom (Colleen)  and David (Michelle). Many grand and great grandchildren.

He was born in Battle Creek, one of six siblings.  He was raised on a farm in Lawrence.  He attended St. Augustine High School where he excelled in football, basketball and track.  It was there that he met his future wife, Patricia.  He earned an athletic scholarship to Notre Dame running track.  After graduation with a B.B.A. he started his long career with State Farm in Marshall and eventually became a agent and moved his young family to Jackson where he ran a successful agency for 37 years.  Mike and Pat enjoyed several trips, qualified through State Farm, Maui being their favorite destination.  Mike moved his family to the country and started his hobby, farming.   His passion for farming rivaled his many other passions in life.  He taught his kid the value of hard work and responsibility.  Mike was a proud Notre Dame alumni and he attended several football games with his family for many years.  Mike had such a zest for life and he thoroughly embraced the great outdoors.  During the winter months, when he wasn't cutting wood he would ride his snowmobiles.  Mike especially enjoyed riding up north in and around the Gaylord area.  In springtime he was busy getting the fields ready for planting, gardening, transplanting trees, fixing fences, etc.

In the summertime, in between putting hay up and tending his garden, you could find Mike on the golf course with his fellow State Farm agents or floating in his pool with his favorite adult beverage.  Among his many passions, was his annual Canadian fishing trips with various friends and family.  Fall was his busy time outside.  In between harvesting his crops and cutting wood, Mike always found the time to enjoy goose and deer hunting.  He usually didn't need a lot of time in the woods to add another patch to his vest, he had an amazing eye when it came to shooting.  Mike loved to be up north in Michigan taking countless camping and snowmobiling trips.  He would eventually buy a cottage up north where the family could enjoy fishing, golfing and the outdoors even more.  Mike and Pat sold the farm and moved up to Gaylord after retiring where he continued to enjoy snowmobiling, fishing and golf.  In 2008 they moved back to Jackson to be closer to their family.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Father Chas Canoy officiating.

The family will receive friends at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Saturday, August 26 from 11:00 to 12:00 Noon.

Instead of sending flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer's Association ( https://www.alz.org/) would be appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 133 Years