Born in Keokuk, Iowa and moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1907 where he attended public schools.

He served in the United States Army towards the end of World War I, in 1918 and was a private.

[3] Breitenstein was nominated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on April 6, 1954, to the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, to a new seat authorized by 68 Stat.

His service terminated on July 9, 1957, due to his elevation to the Tenth Circuit.

[3] Breitenstein was nominated by President Eisenhower on June 5, 1957, to a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit vacated by Judge Walter A. Huxman.