Von Behren, Ernest J. 'Ernie'

Ernest J. “Ernie” Von Behren, 93, died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010, at Windmill Manor in Coralville, Iowa.

Ernie was born Oct. 19, 1917, on the family farm east of Mechanicsville, Iowa, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Huxoll) Von Behren. He married Barbara Louise Reif, his wife of 50 years, on June 8, 1944, in Ely, Iowa. Ernie served as a sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps and Infantry during World War II. He served in the European Theater and was a Bronze Star medal recipient. A lifelong resident of Mechanicsville, Ernie farmed with Barbara for 43 years. He retired and moved to Stanwood in 1988. In 2005, he moved to the Iowa City/Coralville area to be close to family.

He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and American Legion Post 348 in Stanwood. Ernie earned many trophies pitching horseshoes and was an avid pool and card player. He had a kind and generous spirit and a wry sense of humor, which all enjoyed.

He is survived by two sons, Patrick Von Behren (Patricia) of Pleasant Hill, Calif., and Paul Von Behren (Linda) of Ames, Neb.; a daughter, Marie Von Behren (Lyle Tonne) of Iowa City; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marjorie Zeman (Robert Zeman); sister-in-law, Mimi Von Behren; and several nieces and nephews.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara who died Oct. 5, 1994; sisters, Helen Pritchard, Hildegarde Wilkinson and Ruth Koppenhaver; and a brother, Carl.

The family will greet friends from 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 19 at Lensing Funeral Service, 605 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 20 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Stanwood, Iowa, with Pastor Timothy Jones officiating. Following the service, Ernie's ashes will be buried with military honors in the Stanwood Cemetery, followed immediately by a luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or Iowa City Hospice.

Ernie's family gratefully acknowledges the care provided by the CNA and nursing staff of Windmill Manor and Iowa City Hospice.

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