Cover photo for Mark Breckner's Obituary
Mark Breckner Profile Photo
1960 Mark 2015

Mark Breckner

May 23, 1960 — December 12, 2015

Mark Lowell Breckner, age 55, passed away suddenly on Dec. 12, 2015, at his home in Davis. Mark was born on May 23, 1960, in Eureka, to Dennis and Virginia Breckner (Wolff).

Mark graduated from St. Bernard's High School in 1978 where he played baseball and football. He went on to attend UC Davis graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fermentation Science. He later completed a Certificate in Personal Financial Planning through UC Davis and studied in the Master's Program in Taxation at Golden Gate University.

Mark worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Aleutian Canada Goose Recovery Program. He also worked for the Robert Mondavi Winery. Mark began his career as a Revenue Agent with the Internal Revenue Service 20 years ago and was a Senior Agent at the time of his passing.

Mark first met his wife of 27 years, Debi (Ryan), in high school. He was her very first date. Several years later, their paths crossed again and he knew she was the one for him. They were married on Aug. 27, 1988, at St. Bernard Church in Eureka.

Mark's life was further blessed with the birth of his daughters Heather in 2003 and Heidi in 2005. He adored his children and they brought great joy to his life.

Mark's passion was in "giving back" to his community. He especially enjoyed coaching sports for both of his daughters. He coached 17 Davis Little League teams and was a board member there for eight years. He also coached basketball at St. James School and was a coach and board member for Davis Youth Softball Association and board member for the Davis Lady Demons.

In addition, he was a life member and president of Yolo County Pheasants Forever, a life member of California Waterfowl Association, and a member of Ducks Unlimited, Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity and Alumni Association, Davis Odd Fellows, Putah Creek Council in Davis where he worked on the Salmon Water Rights Project, and a very much loved member of the St. James Church and school family in Davis.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Debi; daughters Heather (age 12) and Heidi (age 10); brother Kevin (Sheila) Breckner and nephew Kyle of Lincoln, Del.; uncles Bruce Breckner (Lynn), Steve Wolff (Diane), Riley Wolff (Julie), Jerry Wolff (Gail) and Ross Wolff; aunts Marianne Poisall, Kathy Emery and Grace Hrvatin (Joe); brother-in-law Jim Ryan (Kathy) and sister-in-law Patty Walund (Joe) and their families. In addition, he leaves behind many special and long-time friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his father Dennis Breckner and his mother Virginia Breckner (Wolff), and uncles Louis Wolff and Mike Wolff.

Mark will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband and father. He told his family everyday that he loved them and that he was a very lucky man. He was a man people admired and respected and he made friends everywhere he went. His dedication to his family was extraordinary. His faith in God was unwavering and he believed that God had a plan and a path for each of us.

He believed, wholeheartedly, that even when it seemed that life brought disappointments, there was always a better opportunity ahead because of it. Mark's love of baseball and football began at the young age of 8. The dedication of his many coaches over the years, especially in high school at St. Bernard's, and being part of a team, shaped him into the man he became. It was why he was so dedicated and absolutely loved being a coach, not only to his girls, but to other children as well. It was Coach B's passion to teach his players to "fall in love with the game" as much as he did.

Mark also enjoyed the study of history, especially Gen. George Custer, politics, fine wine, telling stories to make people laugh, hunting and fishing with his friends and with his wife and daughters, and spending time at the family cabin. He had a fondness for animals, especially his cats. He loved going to watch his beloved Detroit Tigers play the Oakland A's. Go Tigers!

Mark will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and his community.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 21, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home, 116 D St. in Davis. A Funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22 at St. James Church, 1275 B St. in Davis, followed by a reception at the St. James Memorial Center.

A Mark Breckner Memorial Fund has been established. Donations may be made to Go Fund Me at www.gofundme.com/BrecknerFamily.

Previous Events

Visitation
Monday, December 21, 2015
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Smith Funeral Home - Davis

116 D Street
Davis, CA 95616

Vigil Service
Monday, December 21, 2015
7:00 PM
Smith Funeral Home - Davis

116 D Street
Davis, CA 95616

Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
10:00 AM
St. James Catholic Church

1275 B Street
Davis, CA 95616


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