Published on November 26, 2025 3:51 pm
Last Updated on November 26, 2025 3:51 pm
Paul Henry Breer, 78, of Teutopolis, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
Paul was born on April 20, 1947 to Ferd and Helen (Vahling) Breer. Paul married Donna Goeckner on June 24, 1972.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at St. Francis Church. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorials may be made to the Teutopolis Trap Team. Please make checks payable to Donna Breer. Online condolences may be made to www.johnsonandsonfh.com.
Paul’s life was marked by his unwavering love for his family and his dedicated service to his country. In September 1966, Paul enlisted in the United States Army, embarking on a journey that would shape much of his life. He completed his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before being deployed to Vietnam in early 1967. Paul served as a Combat Engineer in the central highlands of Vietnam, near ANKHE and PLEIKU, from March 1967 to March 1968. During this time, he was part of critical construction efforts, building airfields, bridges, and other infrastructure necessary for military operations. His work, though often behind the scenes, was vital to the success of those he served alongside. Paul’s military service was distinguished by his promotion to Corporal E4 and his receipt of numerous honors, including the Expert Rifle Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars. His dedication to his country and his fellow soldiers will not be forgotten. After his discharge from the Army in September 1968, Paul returned to civilian life and built a career as a transmission specialist, working for many years at Dan Hecht. Known for his skill and integrity, Paul was highly respected by his colleagues and customers alike.
Paul is survived by his loving wife Donna of 53 years and his sons Scott (Katie) and Neil (Carmen). He was also a proud grandfather to Cole, John, Lily, and Shane, who were the lights of his life. Paul is also survived by sisters Florence Kinkelaar and Kathy (Jerry) Hendrickson and sisters-in-law Carol Breer and Kay Breer.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Leona (Virgil) Willenborg, Agnes (Ambrose) Ruholl, Joe Breer, Clarence Breer, and Theresa (Leroy) Overbeck, in-laws John & Lucille Goeckner, and brother-in-law Art Kinkelaar.
Paul was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words were full of wisdom, humor, and kindness. He was a true pillar of his family and a friend to many.