Obituaries
Dr. Glenn S. Breidenstine, 89
June 29, 1933 - May 18, 2023
Dr. Glenn S. Breidenstine, a well-known orthodontist in Lancaster and Ephrata, died May 18, 2023 following a wonderful life in Lancaster and Hershey. He was 89 years old. He was the devoted husband of Patricia Buckwalter Breidenstine, and they celebrated their 67th anniversary on October 8, 2022. He often said that, “Patricia was the best thing that ever happened to him.” He was the son of the late A.G. and Ella Steffy Breidenstine.
He grew up in Hershey until 1947, at which time he moved to Lancaster, and graduated from Manheim Township High School in 1951. He attended Franklin and Marshall College in an accelerated pre-dental program and entered Temple University Dental School in 1953. He graduated in 1957 with a Dental D.D.S. degree. He was in the Naval Reserves while at Temple, and upon graduation, entered the U.S. Navy as a dentist in the Fourth Naval District, with the rank of Lieutenant. He served briefly in Bainbridge, MD but when the base closed, he was transferred to the First Marine Air Wing, and served the next two years in Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and finally the El Toro Marine Corps Air Facility in California. He was discharged from the Marine Corps and then entered the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Medicine’s Orthodontic Program from which he graduated in 1961.
Upon graduation he practiced as an orthodontist for 42 years in Lancaster and Ephrata. He was also a member of the former St. Joseph Hospital Staff and later the Lancaster Regional Medical Center Staff. He retired in February 2003, but soon missed the orthodontic practice atmosphere, and continued working as an independent orthodontic contractor in Exton, West Chester, Harrisburg, Oxford, Jennersville, Kennett Square, and Lititz. He continued this form of practice for another nine years.
Glenn was a longtime member of numerous professional organizations, including the Lancaster County Dental Society, where he served as past president, The Pennsylvania Dental Association, The American Dental Association, Middle Atlantic Orthodontic Society, Pennsylvania Orthodontic Society, and the American Associations of Orthodontists.
He was also very active in local organizations and past president of the Lancaster Northeast Rotary Club. He was director of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and served on many United Way Fund Committees over the years. He was also a past board member of the Manheim Township School Board. Glenn was a former member of the Lancaster Country Club, the Hamilton Club where he served as a Director, and the Conestoga Country Club.
Glenn was a lifelong member of the Hershey Spring Creek and later the Lancaster Church of the Brethren, serving on many committees as well as numerous fund-raising campaigns. He was also a former assistant moderator and church board chairman.
He was an avid golfer, basketball player, photographer, and skier and loved traveling the world with his family and friends. He often stated, “What a wonderful world we live in, and what a great time to be alive!”
For three years in retirement, he worked at the Manheim Auto Auction. He often said that he met more nice people there, and had as much fun working there as any other time in his life.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter Pamela Kinderwater, wife of Craig, of Lancaster, and three sons, Jeffrey of Oxford; John, husband of Judith, of Bangkok, Thailand; William, husband of Susan, of Hershey.
Also surviving are eleven grandchildren: Heather Breidenstine Evans, wife of Chris, Blair and Aaron Breidenstine; Josef Kinderwater, husband of Kathleen, and Katharine Kinderwater Clark, wife of Matthew; Victor Manuel Armenta-Valdes; John David Breidenstine-Valdes and Sofia Grace Breidenstine-Valdes; Ella, Laura, and Clara Breidenstine; and a great granddaughter: Miller Kathryn Kinderwater.
His sister, Elma Frysinger of Niantic, Connecticut also survives.
A future Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be announced.
Interment will be private in the LCOB Memorial Garden.
The family is extremely grateful for the wonderful care that Brethren Village provided Glenn over the last several years. Kindly consider a contribution in Glenn’s memory to the Good Samaritan Fund at Brethren Village, Payable to “Brethren Village Retirement Community” Attn: Development Dept., 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 or Good Samaritan Fund at Brethren Village
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
August 27, 2023
My father, Dr. Wayne Ranck, DDS, spoke highly of Dr. Breidenstine and valued his friendship. We are praying for your family during your loss.
Deborah L Gavalchik
May 29, 2023
To Pat and all the family,
I always looked forward to seeing you and Glenn at the ” cousin reunions “. Glenn’s smile and soft voice always made you feel welcome. He was also my orthodontist as a child and I credit my smile to him! Sending our love and prayers to the whole family as you go thru this sad time. Karla and Dale Brubaker
May 28, 2023
To the dear Breidenstine Family, My sincere sympathy to all of you as you grieve for Glenn. Over the years and decades Otto and I shared many special times with members of your family, from serving on church committees together, helping John to find a place to live in Germany, teaching Joe German at Hempfield HS, etc.
I know that the last several years have not been easy, but you have all the memories of your wonderful life together. May you feel the comfort and support of friends and relatives.
Suzanne L Schaudel
May 25, 2023
Dear Pat and Family, Mary and I were so surprised to hear of Glenn’s death. We have not been in contact for sometime but we still remember the Great Times from Lancaster Northeast Rotary and at LCC. Please accept our regrets and condolences. May God be with you and give you comfort and support.
Roger and Mary Peterson
May 24, 2023
To Pat and family, we send our sympathy and encouragement, because Glenn was a unique and wonderful man. He was an encouraging example of a Christian, family man, and orthodontist. We were friends, and served in the Lancaster County Dental Society. He also orthodontically care for our two children. With love and sympathy, Dr Don & Esther Davis.
May 22, 2023
Glenn was my orthodontist in the late ’80s. He was always very friendly and had a great chair side manner. It was wonderful to reconnect with him about 10 years ago at a local rotary club. My condolences to the family and he was a great example of service to others.
STU METZLER
May 21, 2023
Pat, Elma and all family members, I learned this morning from Elma about Glenn’s passing. To you all, my heartfelt sympathy. How well I remember driving both my daughters to Lancaster for orthodontic work at the hands of Glenn. I have a treasured picture of Glenn helping me to stand up when I was barely a year old. He and I spoke of getting together to play golf. Regrettably that never happened. I also have a memory of Glenn and family visiting when I lived in Arizona. The last I saw Glenn was at my wife Betty’s memorial service. May God’s comforting blessings be with all of you in this time of sadness.
Jack Breidenstine
May 21, 2023
I’d like to extend my sympathy to the Breidenstine family. I came to know Glenn working with him at the Manheim Auto Auction. We had quite a few meaningful discussions on various subjects. Glenn helped me by recommending a good orthodontist for my grandson in Ohio that needed braces. I often think of Glenn when I see what a differnece that made for my grandson. I did see Glenn at the Brethren Village care unit sometime ago and thought he recognized me for an instance but then it passed. He was a kind, caring and helpful man that touched the lives of many.
Dick Cunningham
May 21, 2023
Pat and family, Our condolences for the loss of your husband. Just wanted to reach out to you. I was your old neighbor growing up. Sincerely, Wanda Funk Hess
May 21, 2023
My late father, Dr. Wayne B Ranck, was a friend of Dr. Breidenstine. He spoke highly of him. Our condolences to your family on your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Deborah Gavalchik
May 21, 2023
Dear Pat and family,we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Glenn. Without a doubt he was always a pleasure to be with. His smile always made me feel better to have been with Glenn. We look forward to celebrating his life with the Breidenstine in the future. We are praying for you all.
Lynn & Barb Sterner
May 21, 2023
So sorry to read of Glenn’s passing. You and your family, Pat are in our thoughts and prayers. We have many fond memories of times spent with him and he also did orthodontic work for our two girls. Sincere sympathies. Carl and Doris Graver
May 20, 2023
Tom and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Pat and the entire Breidenstine Family.
May your many wonderful memories give you comfort.
sincerely Tom and Peg Curran
May 20, 2023
We have so many fond memories of Uncle Glenn at F and M basketball games, Barnstormers games, and holiday parties.
With all of our love, John and Kathi Markley
