Bruce Alvin Breithaupt

Bruce Alvin Breithaupt passed away at the age of 72 on January 14, 2023. Bruce was born in Ottawa, KS on April 14, 1950 to Gerald (Cy) and Eupha Breithaupt. Bruce met and started dating his wife Cathy in their hometown of Wellsville while both were in school. After setting the Wellsville High School high jump record, he graduated in 1968 and then attended College of Emporia on a track scholarship to showcase those skills. After college, Bruce married his junior high school sweetheart Cathy Blankenship on September 27, 1969. Bruce then set out on his career path, dedicating more than 20 years to Western Electric before taking a position at AFG in Spring Hill, where he worked until he retired in 2012.

If you knew Bruce, you know how much he loved hunting and fishing. There were few things he looked forward to more than his annual Thanksgiving weekend hunting trip with his friends. It was a tradition that stood for more than 50 years. If you were lucky enough, you’d get some of Bruce’s famous jerky from those hunting trips. His kids have tried to recreate it and have decided it simply cannot be done. It really was THAT good.

Bruce coached and attended many of his kids’ sports while they were growing up and continued supporting as many games and activities of his grandkids as he could. He was a big KU fan and quickly became a huge Creighton Volleyball fan, where granddaughter Ava just finished up her first year as Big East Freshman of the Year.

Bruce’s other great love was his wife Cathy and the amazing family they created. He is survived by Cathy, sister Karen (Darrell) Childs of Wellsville, son Sean (Lesley) Breithaupt of Wellsville, son Grady (Julie) Breithaupt of Shawnee and daughter Lacey (Chris) Martin of Overland Park.

Bruce’s grandchildren are Shelton (Shambre) Breithaupt of Wellsville, Seth (Lauren) Breithaupt of Wellsville, Ava, Sophia, Grace, Jude, Henry and Francesca Martin of Overland Park and Mia and Reese Breithaupt of Shawnee. Bruce was also a great grandfather to Graycin and Gyntrie Breithaupt of Wellsville.

Funeral services will be 10AM, Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Wilson's Funeral Home in Wellsville. Visitation will be 6-8PM, Wednesday evening, also at the funeral home. Interment will follow services in the Wellsville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wellsville Friends Foundation in care of Wilson's, PO Box 486, Wellsville, KS 66092

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