Nicholas F. Breck

Nicholas Francis Breck, 93, of KCK passed away on July 29,, 2015, surrounded by his family and friends. Nick was born on June 6, 1922 in Parkston, South Dakota to Rose (Gregor) and William Brech. He attended Parkston High School where he participated in football, basketball and a variety of non-sports activities. Nick served in the Army Air Force during WWII. As part of his training he attended Clemson University to study mathematics for radar applications. He later trained gunners for heavy bombers and was always disappointed that he did not get to serve overseas while training so many who did. He married Theresa Marie Humpa, the love of his life, while in the service. When Nick and his brothers joined the military, they changed their last name to Breck. After the war, Nick was a butcher for Safeway in Oakland, California. Later he and his father-in-law were proprietors of a grocery store, bar and dance hall in Dimock, South Dakota. In 1950 Nick and Theresa moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where he first worked for Manor Bakers, delivering baked goods door-to-door from a horse-drawn wagon. He later worked for Faultless Laundry, retiring as their Sales manager after 33 years of service. Due to his success in sales, the company tried numerous times unsuccessfully to lure him out of retirement. Nick and Theresa have been faithful members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for 65 years. Their religion was of great importance to them and their Sacred Heart faith community provided them the opportunity to give many years of service to others. Nick served his parish as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and as a 28-year-member of the St. Mary’s Food Kitchen team. There was nothing Nick did not or would not do for his family. While raising their three sons, they enjoyed camping, archery, boating and fishing. Upon his retirement, Nick and Theresa had more time to enjoy traveling through 48 states and Canada pulling their RV. A real highlight of their traveling years was a church-sponsored trip to Italy during which they visited the Vatican. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Willard and Henry; and daughter -in -law, Joyce Breck. He is survived by his wife, Theresa; a brother, Gerald; sons Terry (Dolores) of Shawnee, KS, Rodney of KCK, and Greg (Linda) of Overland Park. Survivors also include 8 grandchildren, Virginia Breck, Joseph Breck, Teresa Maggart, Jennifer Lampe, Rhonda Sims, Nicholas Breck, Liesel Werch and John Breck. He is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Visitation will be at Maple Hill Funeral Home on Monday, August 3, from 6 to 8 PM, with the Rosary at 6 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 34th and Shawnee Dr., KCK, on Tuesday, August 4, at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 2646 S. 34th St., KCK 66106, or to Sacred Heart Church with St. Mary’s Food Kitchen in the memo.

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Nicholas F. Breck

June 6, 1922 - July 29, 2015