Victor J. “V.J.” Breitbach III, age 56, of Dubuque, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Harmony Dubuque.  To celebrate V.J.’s life, private family services will be held at a later date.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting his family.
V.J. was born on February 26, 1969, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Victor and Donna (Besler) Breitbach Jr.

V.J. graduated from Leo High School, Class of 1986, and after that attended classes at Kirkwood Community College.  He then served with the National Guard.  When he was young, V.J. helped out at Breitbach Feeds and at The Barn in Sherrill.  He later worked with his good friend, Dave Fondell Jr., doing excavation work for several years.  V.J. was excellent at figuring out the grades for complicated piping projects.  V.J. was a member of the Dubuque Boat Club, where he enjoyed socializing with his friends.  His favorite pastime was hauling wood for the Balltown Lions Club.  He liked shooting pool, doing crossword puzzles, Soduku and playing Cribbage.  V.J. had a green thumb and spent hours tending his gardens and canning his harvest.  Horseradish was his specialty, and he always had plenty to share.  He also enjoyed creating new dishes to share with everyone.  He was great with kids, and the grandkids loved hanging out with Grandpa V.J.  V.J. lived life to the fullest, and we will miss him.

Those left to cherish Victor’s memory include

2 sons,
Cory (Cassie) Lambert, Dubuque, IA
and Justin Breitbach, Madison, WI;

7 grandchildren,
Caleb, Kai, Brandon, Leo, Ivory, Salem and Apollo;

his siblings,
Julie Breitbach, Holy Cross,
John (Faith) Breitbach, Bellevue,
Jim (Nicole) Breitbach, Sherrill,
Joe (Missy) Breitbach, Farley,
Jeff Breitbach (Jessica Fens), Sherrill,
Jennifer (Doc) Schemmel, Dubuque,
Jason (Dawn Kress) Breitbach, Rickardsville,
Jessica Knepper, Dubuque
and Jacob (Kim) Breitbach, Holy Cross;

and many nieces and nephews.

Victor was preceded in death by his parents; and a nephew, Charlie Breitbach.

A special thanks to all of V.J.’s family and friends, UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital ER and ICU staff, and the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics for all the help, love and support.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com