Charles Henry Breihof Jr.

BREIHOF, Charles Mr. Charles Henry Breihof, Jr. of Grand Rapids, age 86, passed away into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 9, 2014. Charles was born on April 8, 1928 to Charles and Ethel (nee McGrath) Breihof in Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY and had been a long-time resident of the Grand Rapids area. Charles graduated from Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, NY before enlisting in the United States Navy. He proudly and courageously served his flag and country, during World War II onboard the U.S.S. Runner and U.S.S. Conger. Before his honorable discharge, Charles married the love of his life, Patricia Dalton, and together they set out to raise their beautiful family. Charles was a very personable and self-made man. He made a career in advertising and retail management which he truly enjoyed. He was also known for his incredible green thumb. He was a certified Advanced Master Gardener, consulted on landscape design, and was a member of The Federated Garden Clubs. He was a loving and devoted husband and wonderful father and grandfather. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Patricia; loving children, Barbara (Judson) Kovalak, Thomas (Tracy) Breihof, and David (Kathy) Breihof; grandchildren, Ryan (Dana Miller) Kovalak, Dr. Mary (Jeff) Wagoner, Theresa (Leo) Urzagaste, Nicole Fritsch, Jeremy (Sarah) Breihof, Christina Breihof, Danielle (Ben) Warner, Aaron (Melissa Reazis) Golembiewski, Ginny Golembiewski, Caroline (Matt) Jenks, Gillian (Mike) Heslinga, Benjamin Tant, Dalton Tant, Carter Donaldson and Kevin Donaldson; 11 great-grandchildren; close nieces and nephews, Ben (Angie) Tant, Diana (Ron Barstow) Tant, Craig Tant, and Mary (Scott) Donaldson. He is preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn (Kenneth) Nelson. There will be a time of visitation for relatives and friends from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Friday, September 12, 2014 at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. A Praying of the Rosary will follow visitation at 8 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial for Charles will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, 4865 Eleven Mile Road NE, Rockford, MI 49341; Fr. Tony Russo is presiding. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to The Salvation Army, Donation Processing, 1215 Fulton Street E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503; or online at secure20.salvationarmy.org Pederson Funeral Home pedersonfuneralhome.com