Candice Rainelle "Candy" Breed

Candice Rainelle “Candy” Breed
Ozark, Missouri
August 23, 1952 – May 12, 2025

With deep sorrow, the family of Candice Rainelle “Candy” Breed announces her unexpected passing on May 12, 2025, at the age of 72. Candy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, known for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering dedication to those she cared for.

Candy was born on August 23, 1952, in Genoa, Nebraska, to Everett and JoAnn (Smith) Brunken. Raised in Columbus, Nebraska, alongside her four siblings—Timothy, Melody, Lorie, and Laurel—she was an active member of Highland Park Evangelical Free Church. Her participation included Sunday School, Pioneer Girls, youth group, and annual attendance at Polk Bible Camp. Candy graduated from Columbus High School in May 1970. Subsequently, she pursued and completed a Diploma Degree in Nursing from West Suburban School of Nursing in Oak Park, Illinois, in July 1973.

Candy served as an Obstetrics Nurse and later as a nurse in the Cardiac Stepdown Unit at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois. In July 1974, she relocated to Omaha, Nebraska and accepted a position at Children's Hospital in the Infectious Disease Unit, caring for children aged two to twelve, where she began her work with Pediatric Oncology Patients. She commenced employment at Immanuel Lutheran Hospital in Omaha in September 1975, serving first in the Rehabilitation Unit and subsequently in the Pediatric Unit. In July 1977, she joined Blank Children's Hospital, initially working in General Pediatrics before specializing in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. Candy was deeply committed to her patients, ensuring each child received the absolute best care. Her warmth, expertise, and unwavering dedication made a lasting impact on the lives she touched. After years of serving with extraordinary care, she retired, leaving behind a legacy of love and healing.

In the fall of 1975, Candy met her best friend and the love of her life, Roger Breed. Their love grew quickly, and on May 8, 1976, they were married in Columbus, Nebraska. Their first home was in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. They moved to Des Moines, Iowa in June 1977. In 1978, Candy and Roger moved to Madrid, Iowa, where they built a warm and loving home for their children. Candy was blessed with two children, Amy and Shawn, as well as a stepson, Jason. Motherhood was a cherished role for Candy. She dedicated herself to her children, actively participating in their lives. This involvement included leading Awana, supporting school functions, providing transportation to various events, enthusiastically cheering from the sidelines, and offering guidance for their aspirations and endeavors. Her family expanded with the addition of her son-in-law, Bill, and daughter-in-law, Jill. Candy was then blessed with the addition of her grandchildren Devon, Bam, Wynn, Luke, Zach, and Sarah; and a great-grandchild, Rylie. She cherished taking walks with them and taking them to the park, cycling, engaging in swimming activities each summer, and would never miss any event they participated in. She was their biggest cheerleader.

Candy loved reading and being active. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to Roger with home renovations and building two additions to their house. Their biggest project was the three-season porch they built for their 25th anniversary, which they enjoyed a lot. Candy had a flower garden with mums and pansies. She and Roger worked together in their kitchen, garden, picking vegetables, canning food, and trying new recipes. At Christmas, they enjoyed baking together and generously treated family and friends with their baked goods. Candy was active at Madrid Evangelical Free Church, where she taught Sunday School, was an active leader in Awana, and was always willing to help with other activities when needed.

In 2014, Candy and Roger embraced a new adventure, moving to Arizona, where they enjoyed life in a new setting. A decade later, in 2024, they relocated to Ozark, Missouri, where they continued to make cherished memories together.

Candy is survived by her devoted husband, Roger Breed; her daughter Amy (Bill) of Surprise, Arizona; her stepson Jason (Jill) of Castle Rock, Colorado; her grandchildren Devon, Bam, Wynn, Luke, Zach, and Sarah; and her great-grandchild, Rylie. She is also survived by her brothers Tim and Laurel; her sisters Lorie (Lee) and Melody; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Candy was preceded in death by her beloved son, Shawn, and her parents, Everett and JoAnn (Smith) Brunken.

A visitation to honor Candy’s memory will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Madrid Evangelical Free Church (2243 South Ave, Madrid). Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM, with a burial immediately afterward at Mount Hope Cemetery in Madrid.

Candy’s presence brought light and comfort to all who knew her. Her legacy of love, service, and compassion will be cherished and remembered always.

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