Walter Breuning — American supercentenarian (1896–2011)

Early life and career

Breuning was born in the late 19th century and spent much of his working life in occupations tied to the era's expanding transportation and communications networks. He worked for the railroad and later in other jobs related to travel and logistics, experiences that placed him within a generation that saw the widespread adoption of automobiles, telephones, and electric lighting. Like many of his contemporaries, his employment history reflected the steady industrial growth of the early 20th century.

Longevity and public recognition

In the final years of his life Breuning received national and international attention as one of the world’s oldest living men. After the death of British World War I veteran Henry Allingham in 2009, Breuning was often cited in news reports as the oldest living man globally, and he was recognized as the oldest living man in the United States during that period as well. Organizations that validate extreme ages and longevity researchers placed Breuning among the handful of men who have lived past 110 years, and his age was confirmed by age-verification bodies that track supercentenarians.

Lifestyle, attitudes and public statements

Breuning spoke publicly about his daily habits and outlook on life. In interviews he emphasized routine, staying active in small ways, and keeping a calm disposition as contributors to long life. He often described simple pleasures and consistent habits rather than dramatic health regimens. His remarks were reported by newspapers and broadcasters interested in the human side of exceptional age, and he became known for a pragmatic, modest attitude toward aging.

Records, rankings and notable facts

During and after his lifetime Breuning appeared on lists of the oldest verified men. At various moments he was described as one of the top-ranked oldest men ever recorded, with rankings changing as new verifications are made and older records are revised. Sources that document extreme ages placed him among the very oldest men in United States history and among the oldest verified men worldwide. His longevity made him an object of interest for demographers and the popular press alike.

Legacy and further reading

Walter Breuning's long life served to illustrate how personal history can stretch across many eras of modern life. He became a reference point in discussions about longevity, aging, and the lifestyles of centenarians. For contemporary reporting and profiles of Breuning, see archived news coverage and longevity research pages. Representative links and further resources include: press profile, longevity research summary, historical obituary notice, comparative age records, and verified supercentenarian list.

• Born: September 21, 1896
• Died: April 14, 2011
• Occupation: Railroader and other transport-related work
• Notability: One of the oldest verified men in modern records

For readers seeking primary-source interviews and contemporary coverage, the links above provide access to media profiles and to organizations that validate and catalogue extreme ages. Breuning's life remains a clear example of personal continuity across a century of rapid change.