Richard Ernest Behrens

Richard Ernest Behrens

Dysart

Richard “Rich” Ernest Behrens passed away on October 1, 2025, surrounded by family members. Born November 16, 1941, he was raised by his grandparents, Ernest and Augusta Behrens, on the family farm outside Clarence. He grew up with a love of sports and spent his high-school years playing baseball and basketball, even competing in the state baseball tournament as a freshman for Clarence High School.

After graduating in 1960, Rich served in the U.S. Army. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Muscatine Community College, Kirkwood Community College, and the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned his teaching degree. He went on to teach for over 30 years. The schools included Collins Community Schools (3 years), Anthon-Otto (2 years), and Dysart-Geneseo/Union Community Schools for another 26 years.

Rich was ahead of the curve, introducing Dysart students to pickleball in the 1980s. Other memorable PE units included “Running for the Roses,” tinikling, and making sure every kid could score a bowling game. The board game Mill also became a DG elementary favorite.

Coaching came naturally to Rich. Over nearly 35 years, he coached four sports a year and kept right on coaching into retirement. He loved introducing kids to athletics and especially loved watching them succeed. He also supported youth programs off the court and field.

As the bus driver to many of the sports he coached, he never missed a chance to stop for food on the way home from a game—according to Rich, Shakey’s or McDonald’s were “on the way home” from pretty much everywhere.

For 25 years, he also ran a detasseling crew, mentoring thousands of kids on the importance of hard work—with his trademark command: “ENERGIZE!”

In retirement, Rich enjoyed cruising around on his golf cart, staying involved with his family, and keeping up with the sports he loved. He was a lifelong fan of the Dodgers, Celtics, Packers and Hawkeyes. He and Vicki also enjoyed taking cruises and traveling together across the country, mostly by car and railway-but never ever getting on a plane.

Rich was honored to serve a term on the Dysart City Council, giving back to the community he loved and proudly called home. For him, Dysart was more than a town—it was the place where he built a life, raised his family, and developed lifelong friendships.

Rich was preceded in death by his grandparents Ernest and Augusta Behrens, his sister Verona Tenley, and a very special aunt and uncle, Helen and Milton Behrens.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Vicki; his children Chris Behrens (Andrea), Lisa Wood (Dan), and Sara Torres; and nine grandchildren: Benton, Ellie, and Grant Behrens; Mason (Bree), Justin, and Tate Wood; and Gage, Levi, and Maci Torres. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Ella and Barrett Wood. Watching his grandchildren at their games and events brought him tremendous joy.

He was a great husband, a proud father, and later a deeply devoted grandfather.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, October 8, from 5:30-8:30 pm at the Dysart United Methodist Church at 602 Tilford St. in Dysart. Apparel that supports any of Rich’s favorite teams is welcome attire for the event.

Memorials to the family will be used to support youth sports facilities in Dysart, honoring Rich’s lifelong dedication to kids and sports.

Chapman Funeral Home has Richard and his family in their care. Memories and condolences may be left at www.chapmanfh.com.