Georgietta Breunling

Georgietta “Getta” (Schiman) Breunling July 26, 1932 – November 8, 2020 Getta passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 8, in St Joseph at the age of 88. Getta was born in Traverse City, Michigan. She graduated from St. Joe High in 1950. In 1954, Getta married Erwin “Brit” Breunling at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Benton Harbor. They lived for a time in Niles, Michigan before returning to her beloved St. Joe in 1967. Getta and Brit shared a long and happy life together until his passing in 2012. Together they raised two sons, Randy and Michael. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother. Her family was the most important thing in her life. Throughout Getta’s life she also enjoyed working. She spent many years at two well-known area clothing stores Petite Shop in Benton Harbor and Dotty’s Chapeaux Boutique in St. Joe. She helped her father, Bill, at his bakery (Schiman’s Bakery) and later at his coffee and donut shop, both in Benton Harbor. She worked for several years at Shepherd Casters. Her love of cooking and baking eventually led to her home-based baking business selling made-to-order cakes for holidays and special events. Getta’s faith was a strong influence in her life, and she was a long-time member of Grace Lutheran Church in St. Joe. In addition, she had a deep love of her country and for those who served, and for years wrote letters to Gold Star family members. She lived her final years at the Whitcomb in the company of the many friends she made there. She enjoyed walking through downtown St Joe and along the bluff, and was a regular attendee at the summer band concerts. She always looked forward to frequent visits from family and friends. Getta is preceded in death by Brit, her husband of 58 years. She is survived by her sons, Michael (Debbie) and Randy (Carla); grandchildren, Kendra (Stephen) and Kyle; and great-grandson, James. She is also survived by her sister, JoAnn Siewert and many nieces and nephews, including Jeffrey Siewert and locally Steve and Kay Breunling. Getta was a fun and energetic spirit. We will miss her twinkling smile and wonderful laugh and all the love she showered on her family. We would like to extend our deepest thanks and gratitude to the staff of the Whitcomb for providing Getta such wonderful care and support. Due to Covid considerations, there will be a brief viewing on Thursday, November 12, beginning at 12:30 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 P.M. at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joe. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: Grace Lutheran Church, St Jude Children’s Hospitals, or The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Those wishing to sign Getta’s Memory Book online or to view her graveside service (not Live Streamed) may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.