Donald Breitenfeldt

Donald R Breitenfeldt (Dr. B) was born at home on a ranch near Wibaux, Montana to
Rhinehart and Olga Juhnke Breitenfeldt on September 20, 1931. At home in Yakima, he
stepped into eternity on May 1, 2026. His parents, two brothers, and his sister preceded
him.

The Breitenfeldt family moved to Prosser, “the city with many trees” in 1942; a Prosser
Mustang, he graduated in 1949. Don’s first job was working at Jerry’s Men’s Store.
In 1951, he became a Navy Airman serving during the Korean War; was stationed at Widby Island, then Hickam Air Base, Oahu where he loaded munitions on planes. Honorably discharged in 1954 he returned to Prosser where he worked in construction with his brother.

Don’s professional career began at Washington State University in 1955 when he utilized
the Gi Bill’s education benefit. His dorm was Stimson Hall. In 1957-58 during the winter of the heavy snow, he served as ASWSU Vice President and “GO COUGS” became a part of his life.

On just a regular college day, going through the cafeteria line, he gave his big smile to the server Norma Doty; they were married in February 1959 and became parents of four sons.

Don graduated from WSU, signed his first teaching contract and moved to Richland; then
in1963, he began his educational administrative career as Principal of Mountain View
Elementary, West Valley Yakima.

Don returned to the WSU campus completing is PhD Ed in 1972; moved his family to White Salmon where he was Superintendent of Schools in early 70’s; in 1975 he returned to be Assistant Superintendent of Yakima Schools; during these years he was divorced and had custody of his four sons. He was Principal of McKinley and Nob Hill Elementary Schools, retiring in 1989.

Don met and waltzed Beverly Heimgartner into his life; they were married in February 1979 blending their two families. Recipients of his love and surviving Don are wife, Beverly; sons Terry (Kelly), Tracy (Rindy), Todd (Maribel) and Troy (Sandy) Breitenfeldt, Les (Tayna) Heimgartner; daughters Jeri (Ron) Elliott, Ja’nece Heimgartner; special ones Carol Kirkendall, Teresa Breitenfeldt; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-greatgrandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Don was so proud to be a great-great grandfather.

Don was a man of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He enjoyed all family gatherings, the yearly Breitenfeldt Reunion, and Prosser States’ Day. He spent many hours reading Louis L’Amour books and watching westerns on TV. He was an active member of Yakima Christian Center.

Don was active in numerous professional, civic and community organizations. Yakima
Lions club with their focus on the blind and the visually impaired, was his most cherished. He volunteered at Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Yakima as “a fixer of small electrical household things”. He loved music and throughout his life he sang in choirs and until his illnesses sang with Camarata Yakima. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to one of the above or a charity of your choice.
Celebration of Don’s Life will be Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:00 am at Yakima Foursquare
Church, 700 N. 40th Ave. Yakima WA 98908. Private inurnment services at a later date.
Family encourages wearing WSU Cougar attire in honor of our avid Cougar Fan. GO COUGS