Albany, MO: Ellen Breer, 58, died peacefully in her sleep on November 5th, 2024 in Albany, Missouri following a years-long battle with leukemia. She was born November 30th, 1965 to parents Kurt & Rosa Uecker in Eutin, Germany. The youngest of seven girls, she was the beloved baby sister of her German family. After graduating from Realschüle in Lütjenburg, she explored various jobs in multiple fields, including an apprenticeship as a medical assistant.
In 1987 she met Carl Breer in Nuremberg while he was stationed at Ansbach military garrison. Despite the challenges of speaking different languages, the two fell quickly in love, and were wed on October 28th, 1988. Eager to start her family, a now pregnant Ellen moved to the United States in March of 1989. She was greeted by record levels of snow, in what Missouri papers would label “the worst storm of the century” – a new experience for this young, expectant mother. This was followed by another unique experience: Meeting her in-laws for the first time while six months pregnant. The couple would have two children; Whitney Ellen Breer (June, 1989) and Raymond Eugene Breer (June, 1992).
When she first arrived, Ellen spoke little English. She would, however, quickly conquer the language to such a degree that many who met her later in life did not realize she was an immigrant. Ellen started working for McDonalds in 1994, and would stay with the company for more than two decades. This experience helped her acclimate to life in America, while also allowing her to get to know the locals; all of whom she quickly charmed with her kindness and generosity. After parting ways with the franchise, Ellen found new employment with Walmart, where she continued to make new friends with her gregarious and altruistic nature. She would remain with the company until her passing.
Ellen loved being a military wife, yet, like many military spouses, she suffered hardships as Carl was repeatedly deployed to the Middle East during multiple conflicts in the region. Raising two children alone in a foreign country was difficult at times, but with steadfast determination, coupled with support from local family and friends, Ellen persevered. Life was also made better by the fact that her dearest friend, Birgit (Starkgraff) White, by some wild stroke of luck, married a military man from St. Louis. For them to come from a small northern Germany village, meet soldiers from two separate units, move halfway around the world, to a country as large as the United States, only to end up a few hours from one another, was truly a blessing. The two would remain close for over 40 years, and are cherished family friends.
Ellen enjoyed returning to Germany to visit family, completing puzzles, and being outdoors, which was always evident by her tan. However, the thing she loved most was spoiling her grandson Liam.
She was preceded in death by her parents Kurt & Rosa Uecker; sister Ursula Henrichsen; sister Liesel Uecker; brother Robert Uecker; and in-laws Jerry & Darlene Breer. She is survived by husband Carl Breer (Mt. Moriah); daughter Whitney Breer (Gordon Wells) (Albany); son Raymond Breer (Mt. Moriah); grandson Liam Breer; four sisters Antje Kunz, Martina Uecker-Maaß, Hannelore Wunder, Susanne Paulsen; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; in-laws Gail Arney, Lonnie Breer, and Terry Breer.
Funeral services will be held at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Mt. Moriah, Missouri. Visitation is on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00 am, with services to follow at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Harrison County Hospice. Online condolences can be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.