Never Forgotten

Carl Louis Breitinger

Obituary 1916-2015 Carl Louis Breitinger, age 98, of Valencia, CA passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2015. He was born on September 6, 1916, in Cleveland, OH to Louis and Mathilda Breitinger. Following the untimely passing of his father and younger brother, Carl and his mother, "Tillie," made the cross-country trip in their Model T Ford to start a new life in the Golden State. During his childhood, Carl developed a life-long passion for the outdoors and nature while living in the then largely undeveloped areas of Los Angeles, CA. Carl graduated from Garfield High School in East Los Angeles in 1933. He then graduated from Los Angeles Junior College in 1937 and the University of California, Berkeley in 1939 with a degree in forestry. For nearly 30 years, Carl worked for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, achieving the rank of lieutenant. Following his career in law enforcement he and his wife Elfreda worked seasonally for the U.S. Forest Service. Carl and Elfreda loved to travel ~ they visited all 50 states and over 80 countries. Carl's wanderlust and love of learning led to countless adventures all over the world. Never shy, he loved to immerse himself in the cuisines, cultures, languages, and landscapes of the areas he visited. His travels provided Carl with material for another of his great joys: storytelling. When not traveling the world, Carl and Elfreda called Oceanside, CA home for several decades. Carl was an active member of his church, gave generously to numerous charities, enjoyed visiting with his children and grandchildren, and spent many years volunteering his time for the Meals on Wheels program, often delivering meals to those younger than he was. In 2006, Carl and Elfreda moved to Valencia to be closer to their family. Carl was a resident of the Sunrise at Sterling Canyon community and worshipped at Christ Lutheran Church. Carl was preceded in death by his first wife, Ellen, and second wife, Virginia. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Elfreda; his daughter Lynn Lopez of Los Angeles, CA; his son Walter (Terry) Breitinger, of Newhall, CA; his daughter, Ann (Peter) Raugh, of Coeur d'Alene, ID; 8 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.