Donald Behrends

DONALD GLENN BEHRENDS

Monticello

Donald Glenn Behrends, 70, passed away on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, at home in Livingston, Texas, with his wife by his side.

A private family interment with military honors will be held in Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello, on Friday, April 27, 2018, and a visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello. Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

Don was born on April 17, 1947, in Monticello, Iowa. He was the son of Glenn and Bernice (Wenger) Behrends. Don graduated from Monticello High School in 1966, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in January 1967. He was a member of the elite USAF Pararescue group and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He also assisted with the NASA Space Capsule Recovery Program missions based out of Houston, Texas. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 16, 1971.

Don continued to live in Texas after his discharge, having many different occupations: salesman, insurance agent and insurance adjuster. He worked for Gary and Ellen Hartley of Stiping Systems in McKinney, Texas. While in McKinney, he also worked as a home builder, remodeler and handyman. In later years, he worked for his friend, Paul Davis of Mr. Oliver's Tractors, picking up and delivering equipment and motorhomes. In retirement, he worked driving a tour bus for Troubador, Texas, selling guns for Cabela's Sporting Goods and at several other jobs. Don could fix just about anything! He was constantly fixing equipment for neighbors and friends.

Even though Texas became his home, his roots ran deep in Monticello, Iowa. Don enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and boating. He also enjoyed returning to Iowa for his high school Class of 1966 reunions and over the years he managed to attend several of them.

He is survived by his wife, Liz, and his son, Kelly; three sisters, Beverly (Richard) Becker, Donna Tenhoff and Grace (Dale) Zimmerman; Liz's children, Hans Kurtz and Gretchen Dixon; and grandchildren, Mackenzie, Madeline and Zane. Also left to treasure his memory are six nephews, two nieces and several great-nieces and -nephews, as well as three aunts and two sisters-in-law. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Tom; two nephews and one niece; and his mother-in-law.