John David Behn Sr.

JOHN DAVID BEHN SR.

Cedar Rapids

John David Behn Sr., 81, peacefully passed away at Oldorf Hospice House on April 8, 2021. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 12, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. As mandated by proclamation, social distancing must be practiced, which requires a limited number of people to be allowed into the visitation at one time. The use of face masks or shields are required.

John was born in Monticello, Iowa, on June 20, 1939. He graduated from Monticello High School and then Parsons College. He began his sales career in the livestock feed business. Then for 25 years he owned and operated one of American Family Insurance's top 100 agencies, retiring in 2002 as a Hall of Fame agent. Upon retirement, John worked for Cedar Rapids School District as a bus driver.

John was a generous donor to his children's high school, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, both in terms of time and money. He was an avid fan and long-time season ticket holder of Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball, and a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. His sports career is highlighted by being one of the greatest athletes to ever play for Monticello High School and included a short stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 24 years, Phyllis (Fulk) Behn; his children, John (Denise) Behn, Shelly (Ron) Pennington and Scott (JoEllen) Behn; grandchildren, Dalton (Gina) Pennington and Jackson, and Nolan, Mason and Tyson Behn; his stepchildren, Steven Fulk, Teresa Fulk and Scott (Tamara) Fulk; his stepgrandchildren, Heather, Robyn, Rhiana and Tia; and his sister, Carole Behn.

John is preceded in death by his father, John Behn; his mother, Eileen (Day) Behn; his brother, Parke Behn; and his nephew, Brock Behn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha Iowa.