On Tuesday, April 7th 2026, our beloved brother Breck Paul Stratton, age 60, was freed of his earthly bond and his soul ascended to heaven. While the sense of loss is profound, we were blessed to have had his love, laughter and friendship, and it is reassuring to know that he is at everlasting peace.

Breck was preceded in death by his mother Lorraine F. (Lloyd) Stratton and father Dean E. Stratton. He is survived by his sister Paige D. Stratton of Lincoln, NE and his brother Eric L. Stratton of Fairfax, VA.

Breck was Christian, believed in God, and he believed in heaven. We envision Breck smiling with joy and happiness as he reunites in spirit with his beloved mother, his dearest feline companions Tabitha and Phoebe, other family and friends who left before him, and a long list of animals who he instantly connected with and adored.

Born on July 27, 1965 in Lincoln, Nebraska, Breck was a 1983 graduate of Lincoln Northeast High School. Breck led a humble yet truly amazing life. As a boy, Breck swam competitively at Ballard Pool and brought home numerous ribbons. For a time, he was an amateur boxer, played defensive lineman on a Lincoln semi-pro football team, and he was an excellent competitive marksman.

A generous and kind-hearted man with a strong will and gentle soul, Breck always cared for others. He was the home hospice caregiver for his mother, found joy in feeding wild birds, and took surprise treats to others’ dogs. In honor of his mom, at Christmas he would randomly hand a Christmas card containing a large denomination bill to a random person who appeared down on their luck and could use a smile, and walk away saying “Merry Christmas!”

A self-made man, after working for several local companies such as Lincoln Composites, Gooch’s Mill, Fleming Foods, and Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, Breck preferred being his own boss. Emboldened by his entrepreneurial spirit, he pursued a broad spectrum of business endeavors. Including auto body repair and restoration as partner in JB Bodyworks, hand-making the aluminum injection molds for custom soft plastic fishing lures as Pebbles Bait Company, professional handyman, and for the past fifteen+ years performing drywall repair and painting as Stratton Interior Painting.

A common theme across all these is that he was 100% self-taught. He bought and sometimes developed his own tools, cultivated the businesses, kept his work spaces and tools neat, clean and organized. Most importantly, Breck became exceptionally skilled. He professionally managed everything himself, including the administrative functions necessary to run the businesses.

Breck revered and treasured his customers, not just as clients, but as friends; to Breck, they were family. Many understood the value and expertise he offered, but more importantly they appreciated his gentle and jovial personality and his demonstrated cleanliness and care. He earned such a level of trust that some customers handed him permanent keys to their homes.

Breck was a man of high character; he was responsible, honest and honorable. Another common theme is that Breck was a perfectionist who took great pride in work done well, and produced impeccably high quality results on the level of art. In a highly price-competitive marketplace, he was often under-compensated for his time and the exceptional quality of his work. Through it all, he remained thoughtful, gentle and kind.

Breck’s true passion was fishing. He loved being on the water, and he embodied the true essence of what it means to be a Master Angler. Whether catching 40lb flathead catfish on 1/32oz jig at night, aggressive largemouth bass slamming topwater lures at sunrise, or hooking huge bottom hugging bass on jig and craw at mid-day, it was always catch and release. He literally developed a mental map of the underwater structure of local lakes by feeling the bottom through tireless casts. As a result, he knew precisely where the brush piles were that held the big bass.

Breck’s untimely departure has left a huge void in the hearts and lives of all family and friends who loved him. We love you and miss you, Breck. May God embrace you, bless your heart, and rest your soul.

The best way to honor Breck’s legacy is through the sharing of your stories of your experiences with him, and sharing your photos of him. Please collect them for a celebration of life in honor of Breck to be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Cat House, a no-kill cat shelter in Lincoln, Nebraska, at thecathouse.org or by mail to: The Cat House, P.O. Box 23145, Lincoln, NE 68542; or Joining Forces Saving Lives animal rescue at 4660 s. 86th ct. Lincoln NE 68526, or via PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WAFVNKUS8EDSE. In either case, please indicate that your gift is “In memory of Breck Stratton”, thank you.

No visitation. Per Breck’s wishes, a simple graveside service and Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Please check back here at a later date for additional details.

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