Edward A. Breidenbach, 86 of Iliff passed away Friday, July 17, 2015 in Sterling. Visitation will be from 10am until 4pm on Mon., July 20 at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Rosary and Vigil Service will be at 7pm, Mon. at Chaney-Reager. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am, Tues., July 21 at St. Anthony Catholic Church with services concluding at the church. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Riverside Cemetery.

Ed was born April 27, 1929 in Sterling, CO to Stephen and Mary Irene (Deranleau) Breidenbach. He graduated from Iliff High School May 16, 1947 and then attended NJC.

Ed farmed with his dad and brothers from a very young age and then later with his sons. He was a devoted advocate for farmers and the sugar beet industry. In addition to cultivating the land he supported farming through his leadership on many committees, boards and organizations, including lobbying to Congress on several occasions. He retired in 1997.

He married Mary Ellen Smith at St. Catherine's Church in Iliff, CO on Sept. 9, 1951, celebrating 63 years of marriage before her passing in May. She was the love of his life and together they raised four children whom he loved dearly.

Ed was a member of the Sterling Local Beet Growers Association, serving as state director for 18 years and a local director for 12 years. He received the "outstanding young farmer" award in 1963, served as Chamber of Commerce director from 1982-1984, member of the Water Conservancy Board, Iliff Lions Club, Sterling Elks Lodge, and the NJC Alumni Heritage Committee. His hobbies included playing cards with his friends at the Lions Club and the Proctor Mall and beating his family at cribbage at any family gathering. He enjoyed reading, cross word puzzles and liked to play Scrabble, and singing and reading scripture at his church. Ed was known for his gift of "gab", liked to write letters, give toasts and converse at length with anyone he met. He loved the holidays, especially Christmas and spending time with his family. He was very proud of his family and his Breidenbach heritage and a proud member of the Iliff community.

He is survived his daughters, Diana Kaufman and husband Doug, Barb Schneider and husband George; sons, Edward L. Breidenbach and Dee Hein, Doug Breidenbach; grandchildren Brad Kaufman and wife Kelly, Ryan Kaufman, Daniel Schneider and wife Katy, Melissa Schneider, Bridget Weintraub and husband Jacob, Kimberly Powell and husband Ben, Jacob Breidenbach; eleven great grandchildren; brothers Stephen Breidenbach and wife Pearly, Frank Breidenbach; sisters, Frances Kulbe and Agatha Breidenbach and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Ellen; sisters Leona Smith, Rosemary Burkhardt, Annabelle Miller Harding; grandson EJ Breidenbach and granddaughter-in-law Bridget Kaufman.

Contributions may be made to Charity of Donor's Choice.