Arnold Breit

Arnold was born July 2nd 1928, in Wisconsin Rapids, the son of the late Herbert and Ella (Parsch) Breit. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning the Purple Heart, and was honorably discharged in 1954. On June 9th 1956, Arnold married the love of his life, Josephine Salzman. They shared almost 56 years together, raising their three children and making memories. Arnold's steadfast faith in God guided his every decision and was the foundation for his unconditional devotion and support to his beloved family.

There were so many things Arnold enjoyed and most of them revolved around being with people. Arnold and Josie started camping when their children were young and continued the tradition with their grandchildren, travelling all over the country, exploring numerous flea markets and steam engine shows. All will remember his passion for gardening, as his vegetables and flowers were second to none. Arnold's daily routine included doing the daily crossword puzzles in the newspaper, completing them with 99% accuracy.

He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau, and participated in weekly bible study. Arnold passed his love and talent of woodworking on to his son, Allen, and grandson, Adam. On May 7th 2012, Arnold had the privilege to attend the Never Forgotten Honor Flight with his daughter Sherri; and in September 2013, he enjoyed one last camping trip with his family. Arnold created a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew him.

On December 27th 2013, Arnold Elmer Breit was called to his eternal home with Jesus, at the Hospice House, Wausau.

Arnold will be lovingly remembered by his son, Allen (fiancée, Cindy Brylski) Breit, Hortonville, WI; two daughters, Lenore Breit, Wausau, and Sherri (Ken) Messerschmidt, Wausau; and two grandchildren, Adam (Sarah) Breit and Amy Breit. Arnold was joyfully anticipating the arrival of his first great-grandchild, in June 2014. He will also be missed by his 'family' at The Pines, his Wednesday morning Bible class friends, his caregiver, Lorrie, and his friends and the staff at Applegate.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine, on March 27th 2012; and sister, Norma Woller.

A funeral service celebrating Arnold's new life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 2nd, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau, with Reverend Zach Holdorf officiating. Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park, with full military honors provided by the V.F.W. Burns Post, No. 388, Wausau. Family will receive guests on Wednesday, January 1st, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; and again on Thursday, at church, from 9:30 a.m. until the service.

Memorials may be directed to the Wisconsin Valley Lutheran High School.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation for all of the compassionate care that Arnold received from: Dr. Blonsky, Dr. Islam, Dr. Veldhuizen, and all of the nurses, medical assistants, and staff at the Marshfield Clinic; to Dr. Sikora, Tyler Laber, PA-C, and the numerous nurses, CNAs, and other staff at St. Clare's Hospital; to the staff who briefly cared for him and made him comfortable at the Aspirus Hospice House; and to Pastor Holdorf for providing spiritual care to Arnold and the family.