Donald L. Behrens, 70, of Sumner, died Sunday, November 13, 2016, at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner, surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sumner with Rev. George Volkert officiating. Burial will follow at Lutheran Cemetery of Sumner Township of rural Sumner with military rites conducted by Thomas E. Woods Post #223, American Legion of Sumner. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 15th at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner and for one hour preceding services at the church on Wednesday.
Donald Lee, son of Reinhart and Esther (Seehase) Behrens was born November 10, 1946 in Sumner. He was baptized by Rev. Nagler on December 1, 1946, and confirmed by Rev. Kramer April 10, 1960, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Don received his education in the Sumner Schools, graduating from Sumner High School in 1964. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict and was stationed in Korea. On January 26, 1969, he was united in marriage with JoAnn Bolte by Rev. Kamrath at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Don worked for Hydrotile in Nashua before working for Overton Chemical Company for many years prior to retiring due to health concerns in 2005. He was a life long member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sumner, and was a long time member of the Thomas E. Woods Post # 223, American Legion of Sumner. Don enjoyed fishing and sports of all kinds, but most especially treasured the time spent with his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, JoAnn of Sumner, Don is survived by his two children, Matt Behrens of Oskaloosa, Kansas and Michelle (John) Ruzicka of Marble Rock; five grandchildren, Hillary Behrens, Delaney, Jackson, Brennan, and Atley Ruzicka; one brother, Duane (Sharon) Behrens of Sumner; mother-in-law, Pauline Bolte of Fredericksburg; two brothers-in-law, Dale (Karen) Bolte of Oceanview, California, Paul (Mary) Bolte of Sumner; one sister-in-law, Elaine (Roger) Wedemeier of Sumner; and several nieces and nephews; and great nieces and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
