Personal Background
This memorial website was created by Bridget Breidenbach in loving memory of her brother EJ (Edward John) Breidenbach.
EJ was born on 28.05.1977 and sadly passed away on 11.07.2009 at the age of 32.
EJ is missed greatly by family and friends and will be remembered forever.
EJ entered into this world on May 28, 1977. He was full of energy and life from the mintue he was born until the day he passed away.
He was born May 28, 1977, in Sterling, to Eddie Lee and Debbie Barton Breidenbach. He attended and graduated from Caliche High School in May 1995. He then graduated from Northeastern Junior College with a degree in ag diesel mechanics in 1997.
He married Donna Kippes of Iliff on Sept. 27, 2003, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greeley. Their beloved daughter, Ashlynn Breidenbach, was born July 30, 2006. She was the love of her father’s life.
E.J. lived life to the fullest. In past years E.J. enjoyed farming, working on vehicles, racing his dirt bike and bull riding at the rodeo and demolition derbies. In recent years he enjoyed riding his Banshee and spending time with friends and family. Above all E.J. loved operating the CAT. His contagious smile, friendship and love will be remembered by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Breidenbach and daughter Ashlynn of Kersey; father, Eddie Lee Breidenbach and Dee of Sterling; mother, Deb Barton Hale of Loveland; sisters, Bridget Breidenbach of California, Kimberly Powell and husband Ben and their daughters, Isabella and Lillian of Blue Haven, Australia; grandparents, John and Helen Barton of Sterling and Ed and Mary Ellen Breidenbach of Iliff; special uncle, Doug Breidenbach of Iliff; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Edward John, E.J , friend, Husband, Son, Father, and Brother…………..
In someway this man called by all these names has touched your lives in one way or another. My big brother certainly touched my life in many ways.
There’s so many things that made E.J … E.J. And so many things we could all relate to. Like his love of Mountain Dew, Frozen Pizza and trucks.
His unique “smart-ass” laugh or his trademark “hell-yeah” when he agreed with you.He always called it like he saw it, never sugar coating things.
I never saw a more proud father or husband. He loved Ashlynn and Donna with his whole heart .
There’s so many wonderful memories of my brother…. I could go on forever, but I’d just like to share a few with you.
To say I idolized my brother when I was little would be an understatement. From the John Deere tractors we used to play with, to watching him spray paint trucks in the silo. On the farm he was my hero.
When I was in high school , EJ had a car accident and came to live with us for a few months. I got the privilege of forming a great friendship & bond with my big brother. After living in separate homes for 10 years we became really close.
No matter how annoying of a little sister I was, EJ always made me feel , accepted and loved.
I am reminded of his great love for me every time I look into the mirror…. You see when I was little EJ told me to get down from the top of the couch. I didn’t listen of course so he pulled me by the ankles and I flipped forward and split my lip in two on the coffee table. I will forever treasure this scar now.
As we celebrate EJ’s life today I would like to Quote now from 1 Corinthians 13 V13
There are three things that will endure – faith, hope and love…. And the greatest of these is love.
I have faith that he is at peace now……..
I have hope that we will all do our part to keep his memory alive…..
I will love him forever………….Love Kimberly
When you think of EJ, so many parts of his character and his self come to mind:
He was fun to be around
Always the life of the party
He had an ornery smile that could get him into and out of any kind of trouble. If that didn’t work, there was always that goofy laugh mixed with some sweet talking, and EJ was in the clear.
He grew his hair long, and never looked back. He was so proud of that long hair!
EJ had a tattoo that was such a perfect statement of his character: A picture of Yosemite Sam riding a bull. Like that picture, EJ always lived life out loud, and what you see is what you got. EJ just grabbed life by the horns and held on for the ride.
He was a loving cousin, nephew, son, grandson, friend, husband, father, uncle, and brother.
Anyone who knew EJ knew that he was a man of his word. You could count on him to be there for you no matter what. He married his best friend, and his amazing daughter, was his whole world.
I could fill days with stories of my memories of EJ growing up, some of them are better told in another time and place. J
EJ grew up learning to farm the land as have so many generations of this family, and farming remained dear to his heart throughout his life.
However he soon discovered his work talents and his passion lied in working with caterpillars….the machines, not the bugs J
EJ would always make time for Kim and I. I can remember driving cross country while on active duty when my girlfriend’s car broke down. My first call was straight to EJ, knowing with his mechanic skills my big brother could save the day. Without hesitation, he helped me change the fuel pump and get the car back on the road.
He and I spent many summers entering into the demolition derbies. He was so proud of the cars he built, and I was so happy to be a part of his crew helping him enjoy his hobbies and live his life to the fullest.
I can remember my 16th birthday. As anyone knows, you’d sooner wake up a sleeping bear than sleeping EJ, but I had to do it because we were running late for school. On our way there, Bear, I mean EJ blew the engine out of his beloved ’59 Mustang, and tried to blame me, of course, because I woke him up! Who would have thought we would become so close working together to fix that darn car?
I can remember that the three of us always had our little secrets from
Or the times he and his childhood buddies would pick on me, but when someone else tried to do so, EJ was the first to step in and fight for me. Not only did he do this for me, but for many of his closest friends, for as we know, EJ’s loyalties were true, and they were forever. If you were family, or were lucky enough to know him as a friend, there’s not a thing on the earth he wouldn’t have done to help you or defend you.
There is a prayer that reminds me of the role that EJ played in our lives as protector, brother and friend. The prayer of St. Francis that I’d like to share with you now:
Lord, make me the instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled
As to console
To be understood, as to understand.
To be loved as to love,
For it is in giving that we receive,
And it is pardoning that we are pardoned.
It is in dying that we are born into eternal life.
And finally to Ashlynn: There will no doubt be times when you wonder what your dad would say, or what he would do. We will always be here do our best to remind you of how much your dad loves you now and forever.
Remember how much daddy loved you, because every night you fell asleep together watching cartoons, and you would say, “Daddy, you’re the best.” And Daddy would reply with “Good deal, I love you too Ash, with all my heart.”
I love you, my big brother, and I know you’re at peace, and therefore so am I.
Rather than say our goodbyes, I’ll leave you with with EJ’s famous words:
“Heck Yeah and See Ya.” Love your sister bridget
Latest Tributes
6 months - it's been 6 months weeks today
you left us here, with no goodbye
leaving behind just your memories
everyone tells meI should move one and understand that you fulfilled GOD's mission for you but they don't understand my pain they don't know how it feels to be stuck under the rain
I wish I could hold you
and tell you that I l...ove you
I wish I could understand
I wish I was there to hold your hand
maybe I could have changed your mind
The day that you decided to leave
and to no longer believe
I know you weren't afraid anymore
You knew who would be waiting for you at the door
I look at your letter often
I was hoping it would make me feel better
instead I miss you more and your last words made me swore
it made me wish you weren't gone because I don't know for how long I can stay strongI will make sure you daughter understands who her daddy was
And why this had to happened and who is to blame
for not telling us how much pain you truely were in
it's been 6 months I lost you by big brother
it's been 6 months I lost my only brother
I wish you had given me the chance
to take one last glance
at you face filled with love
before you fly away like a dove
rest in peace broth...er
I hope you will no longer suffer
I will be waiting for you in my dreams
to re-live all those beautiful memories
I would give anything to have one more day with you..
to take away your pain and make you be the old you
- from your sisters
OUR BIG BRO - It's been a while since you've been gone
Things just haven't been the same,
This just does not seem real,
And who is there to blame?
Do not question god, that’s what they say,
But who can explain why they took my big brother away?
I miss you so much; I have so much to say,
Every time I go somewhere they always mention your name.
Such a good person,
a caring man,
a son,
a big brother,
an amazing father,
and a great friend.
You are in a much better place now,
All your problems have gone away,
But remember we will meet on the other side
One sweet day!!!!!!!
- from your sisters
My Big Brother - You never said "I'm leaving"
You never said goodbye
You were gone before I knew it,
And only God knew why
A million times I needed you,
A million times I cried
If Love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died
In Life I loved you dearly
In death I love you still
In my heart you hold a place,
That no one could ever fill
It broke my heart to lose you,
But you didn't go alone
For part of me went with you,
The day God took you home. - from bridge
My First Christmas In Heaven - E.J.,
I got this in an e-mail from Aunt Sue and Uncle Jerry. I wanted to share it with you.
My First Christmas In Heaven
I sse the countless CHRISTMAS TREES
around the world below
with tiny lights like HEAVEN'S STARS
reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so SPECTACULAR
please wipe away that tear
for I am spending
CHRISTMAS WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.
I hear the many CHRISTMAS SONGS
that people hold so dear
but the SOUND OF MUSIC can't compare
with the CHRISTMAS CHOIR up here.
I have no words to tell you
of the JOY their voices bring
for it is beyond description
to HEAR THE ANGELS SING.
I know HOW MUCH YOU MISS ME,
I see the pain inside your heart
for I am spending
CHRISTMAS WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.
I can't tell you of the SPLENDOR
or the PEACE here in this place
Can you just imagine
CHRISTMAS WIHT OUR SAVIOR face to face
I'll ask him to LIFT YOUR SPIRIT
as I tell him of your love
so then PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER
as you lift your eyes above.
Please let your HEARTS BE JOYFUL
and let yur SPIRIT SING
for I am spending CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN
and I'm walking WITH THE KING.
This was written by Wanda Bencke, who lost her 13 year old handicapped daughter on Christmas Day 1997.
This seems so appropriate as it if your first Christmas without you! I wrote you a Christmas card, knowing that it will never be sent or opened. I thought of you as I was reading this and typing it to share with others. I am also thinking of Grandma Helen (Mom) and Grandpa John (Dad) as I read and write this, too!
I am hoping that 2010 is a Fabulous New Year for all of us. Although, death isn't good, happy, or easily understood, we try to go forward was you would want me to enjoying life and the moment!! I know that you are at peace, healthy, and always watching over us!! You are loved more than ever today and always. You are in my thoughts and prayers 24/7 and most of all always in my Heart!! We will c each other again someday. I love and miss you, E.J.!!
Love,
Mom - from Mom
i love and miss you! - i miss you and love you so much.i hope that things will et better soon.you were my one and only favorite big cousin and you had to go i miss you and cant stop thinking about it - from taniya
Latest Memories
Kim Powell - 10 years ago E.J. had a car accident and broke his arm severly. He couldn't drive, so I drove him around. I'll always cherish the many drives we took up to Greeley so E.J. could see Donna. I remember when we went to a rose farm to get flowers for Donna. E.J. was so paticular about which bunch of flowers to get. He was quite excited to give them to her. I'll never forget the look on his face when he gave them to her. Smiling from ear to ear. He loved his wife with his whole heart and then some. I pray your smile never fades in Heaven E.J. You deserve eternal happiness my brother, I love and miss you so much.
George Jackson - I know ej for a very long time. I rode the bus with him when were little. I had a chance to work with him on drilling rigs and we was an awesome hand. Sometimes on the way home ej would be behind us and i would be pulled over out with a shovel killing another rattle snake. So i would turn around and go and check how many button he found on that rattle snake. Another memory i had was farming with him and one night my brother in law lance, ej and i went to town to get some more beer. We go drunk in town for a little while and Lance passed out in Ej's farm toy so we headed back to the farm and on the way there was a cop behind us and Lances head was hanging out the window. So Ej rolled Lances head up in the window till we lost the cop. After we lost the cop we got back to the farm and we decided to go to tomas house and when we got there tomas's kid lit the basement on fire and Ej and Lance were trying to put it out with a garden hose. When the fire department got there they told Lance and Ej to get out and Ej with his smart ass attitude with out a beat told the fireman to give him the hose. He told them he already got the fire almost out let me finish my duty. They said get out of here breidenbach. Lance and Ej came back to the farm all covered in soot and we just decided to get drunk the rest of the night. We turned on the strobe light and that made Ej puke. I sure miss him. And definatley miss my daily phone call from him. Love you Ej
britcheskay - I can remember so many things at times i remember some of the crazy things we did in hig school. Like riding your NIJA to school to fast you leaned one way and I leaned the other way. We always had a way of knowing how to get to each other and how to make each other mad. BUT you where always there for me as my big brother... WHO stood up not only for me but for everyone who you thought of as a friend and family. you are missed more and more by so many. LOVE YOU
Steve and Pearly Breidenbach - We saw E. J.'s stone yesterday and it is beautiful...
Leslie - I didn't know you that well but I can remember in the hallways in Caliche High school your laughter. You were always laughing at something and it was contagious. I would find myself laughing too. Thank you for making me laugh. Laughter is good medicine.