Behrends, Lyle Elmer

Lyle Elmer Behrends, 80, of Monticello, died Monday, Aug. 22, 2011, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at Kramer Funeral Home, Monticello. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Monticello, with burial in Oakwood Cemetery. Officiating will be Pastor Darryl Larson. Military Honors will be accorded by the Monticello Drill Team and Iowa Army Guard Honors Detail at Oakwood Cemetery.

Lyle was born Sept. 26, 1930, in Monticello, Iowa, the son of Benhard and Clara Ricklefs Behrends. He was baptized Oct. 10, 1930, and confirmed March 25, 1945, in St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

Lyle was a lifelong farmer, a Navy veteran and a man of many talents: a musician, instrument builder and a true showman.

He is survived by his sister, Marjorie Freeman; nieces, Joan (Jim) Berends, Lisa (Clem) Primer, all of Monticello, and Janet O'Grady of Cedar Rapids; a nephew, Bill Karr of Mission Viejo Calif.; along with great-nieces Carrie (Jack) Schroeder, Regan Primer; four great-nephews, Brian (Wanda) Hughes, Brandon Kraus and Adam (Andrea) Kraus and Baxter Primer; and many great-great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother in law, William Freeman.

Donations may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran memorial fund.

Information available and condolences accepted at .