Francis James Breen (Frank) passed away at home peacefully on July 4, 2026, surrounded by love. He was born on August 19, 1943, and grew up in Harper Woods, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. He attended St. Jude’s Grade School and Cass Technical High School.

Frank joined the Navy in 1963 during the Vietnam War and was stationed first at the Naval Reactor Facility near Idaho Falls. The Idaho mountains and lifestyle took a deep hold on him. After being stationed on the USS Truxton DLGN in Camden, New Jersey, he then returned to NRF at the INL. In 1969, he married the love of his life, Fran. In 1970, he was honorably discharged from the Navy.

After spending two years back in Michigan, they returned to Idaho Falls in 1972 to work and raise a family. His family always came first. He kept the ship of life running steady with humility and perseverance, and each of his children knew his deep love for them.

Always a storyteller, especially about the good ole boys he worked with, much laughter and smiles would follow. A quiet man, he was known for his quick Irish wit and silly faces that told it all.

He started his career at the INL as an electrician and retired as a quality engineer in 2005. He spent 33-plus years at the INL. Frank walked his own walk and never failed to see that things were done right under his watch.

He was a member of the St. John Paul II Catholic community. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Jim Breen; his only brother, John; and his oldest son, Shawn.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Frances B. Breen (Fran); his children: Dan (Zoe) of Idaho Falls, Kevin (Veda) of Kentucky, his only daughter, Beth of Houston, TX; Shawn’s wife, Sara of Colorado; and dear friend, Jenny Muir of New Jersey. He leaves behind many relatives and friends both in Idaho and Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hospice of Eastern Idaho (HEI) online at www.hospiceofeasternidaho.com.

Funeral Services will be Monday, July 13. 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1690 E. 17th St. Idaho Falls. Inurnment will follow at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Blackfoot, ID. Arrangements are under the care of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.