Donald W. "Blitz" Breitwisch

Don Breitwisch's generosity and kindness made an impression on everyone he met and won him many friends. He approached life with enthusiasm and optimism, making the most of the opportunities that came his way. He appreciated the peace and beauty of nature and found great satisfaction in taking exceptional care of his animals. He was a devoted family man, faithfully providing love and support to his wife, children, and grandchildren. The Breitwisch family welcomed their third child into the world on August 24, 1918, just three months before the Armistice was signed that ended World War I. Little Don had two older siblings, Mae and Art, that he worked hard to keep up with, and later learned about being a big brother when Leo was born. Don's family moved to Alabama for a short time and then to Milwaukee, but soon returned to their home on James Street in Muskegon. Don attended Marquette School and then Muskegon High School until the tenth grade. As the Great Depression dragged on through the 1930s, Don and many of his peers across the nation left school in order to find work to help support their families. Don got a job working as a switchman on the railroad in Muskegon. He was such a fast worker that his railroad buddies nicknamed him "Blitz." Times were tough during those years, and people looked for ways to relax, to escape the economic pressures that loomed over the nation even if it was only for a couple of hours. Dancing was a popular pastime, and it was at an area dance that Don's life took an amazing turn. He met a young lady named Anita and was instantly smitten. He told a friend of his that he was going to marry her and proceeded to follow through with his plan. He courted her for six months and received the greatest birthday present of his life when she became his wife on August 24, 1940, Don's twenty-second birthday. They were married in Bluffton near Lake Michigan and moved into their newly purchased home across the street from Don's parents. It was there that they began their sixty-five year adventure, working as a team to build a home and a family. Don and Anita were thrilled when they learned that Anita was expecting, and their joy doubled when they found out they were having twins. The arrival of Don, Jr. and Richard instantly turned the house upside down in the best way, and Don was as proud as he could be. He moved the family to a new home on Sheridan Avenue, and when the twins were five years old, another beloved boy was born, Dale. Don supported the family by working at Air Products of Muskegon, but wasn't really satisfied in his work there. He wanted to run his own business and be free to make his own decisions rather than being limited by someone else's plans and guidelines. The family moved to Fruitport and it was here in 1948 that his opportunity came. He purchased property and a building on Getty Street and founded Blitz Auto Sales. Don's dreaming wasn't over. He founded many other businesses as well, including Breitwisch Trucking, which contracted with Fitzpatrick Electric Supply and remained in operation for over thirty years. Don loved the excitement of buying and selling and was particularly fond of trading livestock and real estate. He turned some of his real estate purchases into rental properties and sold others, but the family kept the cottage on Martin Lake in Fremont. Don loved being outdoors and adored his livestock. Eventually, Don owned four farms in Fruitport and spent as much time as he could with his cattle and horses. Sometimes he had as many as sixty horses and he gave each one of them special care and attention. Don's most precious moments were not spent with his animals, however. He cherished his time with his family most of all. They made wonderful memories together at their cottage on Pettibone Lake in Bitely, and spent countless hours fishing, swimming, and cooking out on the beach. Don and Anita took the kids on picnics and to rodeos, always on the lookout for fun things to do and see. Sunday afternoons in the fall were spent cheering on the Lions, and Don was a faithful fan even when the team was struggling. When grandchildren began to arrive, Don enveloped them with love and pride. He spent time with each one, letting them know how special they were to him. The holidays were especially dear to Don. He loved to see the house overflowing with laughter and love. Don leaves his friends, family, and business associates with sweet memories of laughter and fun. He will be missed, but his example of hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment to family will influence his loved ones for years to come. Don is survived by his dear wife, Anita; three sons, Don Jr. (Pat) Breitwisch of Florida, Richard (Vicky Erhardt) Breitwisch, in Holton and Dale Breitwisch of Fruitport; eight grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; one brother, Art Herman of Livonia; two sisters, Joan (Pete) Macari and Mae Gury, both of Florida; one brother-in-law, Bob Shepherd of Whitehall; one special sister-in-law, Dolores (Ted) Ankeny of Muskegon; and several nieces and nephews. A brother, Leo, preceded him in death.