MARVIN H. BEHRENDS
1920-2023
Marvin Herman Behrends, one of three children of Albert H. and Emma E. (Yelkin) Behrends, was born July 17, 1920, on the family farm southeast of Johnson. Marvin was baptized October 26, 1920, by Rev. L.J. Geick at St. John Lutheran (Stone) Church. He attended school at Rosevelt Rural School District #26.
On September 1, 1943, Marvin was united in marriage to Marcelene Rademacher at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn. The couple made their home at the farm Marvin was born on until 1952, when they moved to Auburn.
On June 22, 1944, Marvin enlisted in the United States Army. He served one and a half years in the European Theater during World War II. After the war, Marvin was assigned to refugee camps in Germany because of his knowledge of the German language. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army on May 1, 1946, Marvin was awarded the Purple Heart Medal along with the European Theater Service Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), and the World War II Victory Medal.
Marvin was a farmer all his life, something he loved to do, but also worked for the Nebraska Department of Roads for 27 years. Marvin became a member or St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn in 1942, he also belonged to the Bender Reese American Legion Post #330 in Johnson, Veterans of Foreign Wars #2635, and Forty and Eight, Locale #1572. He was a hard-working man and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his nieces and nephews, and being with them to assist them with anything they might need. Marvin and Marcelene loved to dance, both ballroom dancing and polka. Later in life, they took up golf and were known as the “Rock Port Dew Busters” for their early arrival time to the course.
Due to his health, Marvin was moved to the Good Samaritan Society in Auburn, it is there that he passed away on Monday, August 28, 2023, having reached the age of 103 years, 1 month, and 11 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marcelene, brother Harlan and wife Ardis Behrends, sister Alberta and husband Lawrence Hector, brother-in-law Harlan Rademacher his wife Beverly and her second husband Milton Gilbertson.
Those left to mourn his passing include his nieces and nephews Tom and Sandy Rademacher of Sun City, AZ, Denise and Ron Rathbone of Humboldt, Steve and Donna Rademacher of Auburn, Kirby Behrends of Auburn, Tony and Amy Hector of Auburn, Mary and Dave Findeis of Johnson; numerous great and great-great-nieces and -nephews, other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was Saturday, September 2, 2023, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn, with Rev. Tom Osborne officiating. Edith Schlange was organist and accompanist for congregational songs, and Dave Findeis sang a song he had written for Marvin. Casket bearers were Adam Rademacher, Mitch Rademacher, Garrett Findeis, Justin Davison, Reese Grafton, and Rachel Crook. Dr. Mike Zaruba, Nathan Findeis, Jake Rademacher, Melody Dawson, Darci Davison, Quinn Grafton, and Jamie Rathbone served as honorary bearers. Burial was in Sheridan Cemetery with graveside military honors provided by American Legion Post #330 of Johnson and Nebraska National Honors Detail.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.