Breitbach's To Rebuild

By Justin Foss, Reporter

By Justin Foss

BALLTOWN - Thousands of people come to Balltown each year just for the view of nature.

On Christmas Day, more than a hundred came for the view of destruction.

"There's nothing, it's all gone. I couldn't believe it myself when I first saw it," said one bystander.

Christmas Eve, 2007 will be known as the day history burned. The Breitbach family owned the restaurant since it started back in the 1850's.

Christmas Eve, it burned completely. Christmas Day the place was still smoldering. The fire started with an explosion in the kitchen according to witnesses.

"It's a shame, they had damn good food here," said a bystander.

Now neighbors are offering to help out.

"Over the last, however many years since he took over, if there was a death in the family, or a fire, Mike always brought food or whatever it took. He was always there to help," said neighbor Donald Ritt.

The town is rallying around Breitbach. Since the restaurant burned, he's gotten more offers of help than he knows what to do with, one family even gave him $300 to get started on the rebuilding.

"I told my wife the first of May. My birthday's on the second of May and I want to be in operation the second we walk in," said Mike Breitbach.

People are eager to help out. Not only because the owner's a good guy, but because they say he also makes a pretty mean pork-chop.

Monday, Jan 28 at 10:11 AM j thompson wrote ...

Truly a one of a kind restaurant and one of a kind family. I was wondering if anyone could donate dated collector items to help restore the charm of the restaurant. A piece here and a piece there from anyone, IF Mike would want that, of course? I know from being there often there's many people that would be willing to join in.

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Saturday, Jan 12 at 7:22 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I am so sorry for your loss. Breitbachs was such a great place. It has some of the best homemade food. And your pies are the best I ever had. We will be there for the grand reopening!

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Friday, Jan 11 at 3:28 PM Kenneit Johnson wrote ...

MY heart go,s out to the entire Brietbach family.May GOD bless you an yours forever.The Grand opening is truely anticipated.

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Thursday, Jan 10 at 4:16 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Is there a way to make a contribution toward rebuilding? Mary Jepsen

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Tuesday, Jan 1 at 7:12 PM Gary wrote ...

Mike and Cindy, on behalf of Eastern Iowa MINIs I want to share our sadness at your loss, our gratitude for your positive spirit, and our absolute elation for your commitment to rebuild. We'll be back! Let us know how we can support you. How might one donate to your cause?

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Monday, Dec 31 at 3:00 PM Dave & Jodi Stumpner wrote ...

Growing up in Balltown, I remember looking out my bedroom window to Breitbach's all my life. What a complete shock it was to hear the news...We will be there for the "Grand Opening!" Our prayers are with you Mike, Cindy & the whole crew. Hang in there.

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Monday, Dec 31 at 2:28 PM David and Virginia McMacken wrote ...

When we come from Michigan to visit our son in Dubuque, eating at Breitbach's is a special part of our trip. Can't wait to eat in the new "old" restaurant!

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Sunday, Dec 30 at 10:29 PM Breitbach wrote ...

We will be there for the grand reopening!

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Saturday, Dec 29 at 9:41 PM A Friend. wrote ...

Mike and Cindy. I am so sorry. For everything you lost in the fire. Just be thankful everyone was ok. I will pray for you and your family.

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Saturday, Dec 29 at 5:43 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I can't believe all of the history that was lost with this fire. My heart goes out to the Breitbach family. Bless all of you.

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Saturday, Dec 29 at 4:15 PM Mark wrote ...

I am so glad to hear that Brietbach's will be rebuilt! I first stopped there in 1974 on a solo bicycle trip along the Iowa portion of the Mississippi River. They were closed but opened to give me much needed food and beverages! Now Brietbach's is a major attraction along the 10-state Mississippi River Trail. I always stop when I am in the area on business or pleasure. They have even allowed us to use the facility for Mississippi River Trail meetings! I will be there for the reopening!!

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Friday, Dec 28 at 9:39 PM Lori Duehr wrote ...

I grew up in Balltown. I also worked for Mike and Cindy from babysitting their children to moving up and working at the restaurant. Yes they were like parents. They did so much for people in the community at times of hardship. When my dad was sick they always had a warm meal brought to our house. My heart goes out to Mike and Cindy and their family. I live in Cedar Rapids now but when I heard about it I was in total shock. I can't wait for the reopening of Breitbach's Country Dining. God Bless

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Friday, Dec 28 at 1:01 AM Stacy Duehr wrote ...

I grew up in Balltown and worked for Mike and Cindy, they were like my second parents. I spent my young years babysitting their seven children, then was promoted to washing dishes, clearing tables, and finally waitressing. I will never forget the experince I had at Breitbach's. I currently live in Cedar Rapids and was heart broken when I heard about the fire, but I was thankful to hear that nobody was hurt. I would like to help in any way I can and can not wait for the re-opening. God Bless!

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Thursday, Dec 27 at 12:10 PM glenn and terry jenkins wrote ...

we moved to balltown a year and ahalf ago and the breitbachs are our familiy and best friends we will do whatever it takes to help them out

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Thursday, Dec 27 at 10:03 AM Floyd & Jane Engler-Independence,IA wrote ...

We are very sorry for your loss and wish you all the best. God bless all of you and your efforts in rebuilding. We enjoy dining there along with our family. You make us feel very welcome and that is what keeps us coming back. We will be there for your reopening and look forward to shaking your hand and wishing you all the best.

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Thursday, Dec 27 at 3:53 AM Fred Mathews wrote ...

Sorry to hear about this. A terrible loss of great dining, company, atmosphere and a touch of history. Good luck on your deadline. We will visit when you are open. The Wisconsin Trouble101 riders!

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 10:33 PM The Flockharts wrote ...

Unfortunate!But we can't wait to hear about the Grand re-opening! You'll have a sell-out crowd!

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 9:26 PM Tom and Shelly wrote ...

We were lost in the fog in October and ended up in Balltown at the resturant and the owner went out of his way to find us a room,altho none could be found - we still enjoyed a fabulous meal and great company. We'll be back! Thank you and good luck with a speedy reopening.

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 9:16 PM Mary Duster Parker wrote ...

From Kingsville, Texas, we read in TH-Online and Iowa TV station sites of your loss. My husband and I have happy memories of eating at Breitbach's while visiting Allan & Alice Link. Your positive attitude and determination are an inspiration! Will be back to visit again!

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 7:37 PM Connie Breitbach wrote ...

My dad is Richard Breitbach and I want to say how sorry I am that this happened. My mom and dad, Dick and Eileen, loved to take relatives and friends to Breitbach's for the great food and family link. We will definitely be there as soon as it is rebuilt. Good luck Mike!

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 6:58 PM Bob and Jan Breitbach wrote ...

Mike is a cousin of mine. I was born and raised only 4 miles from Balltown. I've have great memories of Mike and Cindy's place. Wednesday night Euchre tournaments and Memorial weekend softball tournaments. 9 years ago my job transferred my family 90 miles south of Dubuque into Illinois. I work with the public and I have several people ask me if I'm related to Mike and Cindy in Balltown,Iowa. I'm very proud to say yes. We can't wait to see Mike and Cindys new place. Were so happy nobody got hurt

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 5:16 PM Robert & Dianne Blum wrote ...

Living in Canada we traveled to McGregor,Iowa to visit family as often as we could.We always looked forward to my parents taking us to Breitbachs in Ball Town. We have wonderful memories of afternoons spent there. Mike has a talent for making you feel as if it was your home and no matter how long between our visits he instantly would shout out upon our arrival, Here comes those Canadians! My Father passed away a few years ago and how touched we were to see MIke at the service.

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 5:15 PM clete and joanne steger wrote ...

Weve lived here all our lives and spent many fun times there.Weve both worked there and partied there. Hang in and it will better.GOOD LUCK MIKE AND CINDY.

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 5:14 PM Joe Klein wrote ...

You are our extended family. You always have been. You take care of people and who would'nt want to return the generosity you give to soooo many people. Rebuild and you will be prosporous many fold.

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 3:19 PM Jeff-Marion, IA wrote ...

I've eaten there before and met Mike while we were dining. The nicest gentleman you'd ever meet and the food was outstanding. A piece of history was lost but the family spirit lives on!

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 2:53 PM Alice wrote ...

Could we please have some info on what address to send donations! I have never eaten there or been to Balltown but my Dad talks about it all the time. He grew up in Oxford Junction. I would really like to donate on his behalf.

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 2:35 PM mike duster wrote ...

remember commenting to my sister alice link from sherrill how impressed i was after stopping by old stomping grounds this past may in balltown and eating at "the ole restaurant" with mike cooking and serving. God Speed... mike duster (kempner, tx.)

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 2:29 PM Mark Krapfl wrote ...

Jan and I make several road trips to Balltown each year. I can't explain what draws us back to Balltown and Breitbach's exactly. The memories of all the baseball games I played in the area as a young man? No, I think it's Mike and his family!

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 2:06 PM Dave wrote ...

I've frequently been out to Breitbach's from the Chicago suburbs. This fall I brought my 78 year old mother out to have lunch there. We both enjoy historic places. What a heartbreaking thing for Mike & Cindy.

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 1:50 PM Connie & George Leibfried wrote ...

For those of us raised in Balltown, Breitbach's was a great part of our individual histories. We are so sorry for the great loss to the Breitbach Family. We are happy that you will rebuild and continue the legacy for great food and friendliness.

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 1:10 PM John wrote ...

I can't believe all of the history that was lost with this fire. It is a real tragedy. At least no lives were lost. My heart goes out to the Breitbach family and the town of Balltown. Good luck rebuilding.

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 12:51 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Brietbach's are good people im very sorry to hear this happened good luck to you.

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 12:14 PM Steve wrote ...

Our Harley chapter makes a few trips each year from the Chicago suburbs just for the pie. I am glad to hear you will be rebuilding and we will see you around Memorial Day.

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 11:32 AM Conner Meyers wrote ...

I am so sary that hapend to you geys.

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 10:55 AM Cheryl, Cascade, Iowa wrote ...

We're just there on 12/16/07 with family and friends from Chicago. My son Nick bought a recipe book on that day and gave it to us for X-mas. I will cherish it forever. We'll be looking forward to returning in the spring. God Bless you Mike and family

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 8:26 AM Bill & Faye wrote ...

Whenever we were over in the area ...Brietbach's was the place to stop for dinner! Your friends from Northwood, Lake Mills and other northern towns, wish Mike and all a quick rebuilding! See you after the reopening.

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 8:01 AM Scanny KPMCWI wrote ...

That is the fighting spirit! We will be there for the grand reopening!

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Wednesday, Dec 26 at 6:31 AM Ken/Elaine Schwarzhoff wrote ...

We're from Manchester, Iowa and visit Brietbach's several times a year. We visited there with family from Texas this summer and our son-in-law said it was the best food he's had so far in their many visits to Iowa. We will visit when you rebuild.

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