Joseph B. Behan (1951-2019)

BEHAN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/14/2019 at 10:49:40

Joseph B. Behan, 68, of Dubuque, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2019 at his home.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM Friday, July 12, 2019 at Grace Baptist Church, 3966 Asbury Rd, Dubuque. The funeral service will be 1:00 PM Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Grace Baptist Church, 3966 Asbury Rd, Dubuque. Interment will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Centralia. Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service are in care of arrangements.

Born May 31, 1951 in Manchester, IA, he was the son of Joseph H. and Dorothy M. Behan. After his father passed, he was raised by his parents Dorothy and Ray Francois.

He was a 1969 graduate of Cascade Aquin High School. He attended one year of college at Divine Word Seminary where he met Ann Wuertzer of Centralia, IA and she stole him out of the hands of God. They fell in love and were married June 3, 1972 in Peosta, Iowa.

Joe worked at Dubuque John Deere Works for 42 years. He retired in May 2014.

He was a member of Grace Christian Church and Dubuque Noon Optimist Club. He was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman, and never missed an opportunity to tell a joke or a funny story, or to play a prank - all with a sly smirk on his face! Joe never knew a stranger, only a friend he hadn't met. Joe also had a competitive side and, in fact, there is still a record showing that his daughter Colleen owes him $4.29 on over 20 years of cribbage! But he was always the first to give you a warm welcome and the best hugs!!

Survivors include his wife, Ann; two daughters, Kerri (Shawn) Ries of Dubuque, and Colleen (Bill) McDermott of Peosta; two sons, Josh (Holly) Behan of Sarasota, FL, and Joe Behan of Dubuque; nine grandchildren, Marcus, Allie, Cody, Kassidy, Emma, Meghan, Billy, Josiah, and Lyvia; his parents, Ray and Dorothy Francois of Springfield, MO; five sisters, Ann Kluesner, Patti Speake, Rae Ellen Denker, Joyce Francois, and Michele Roethe; three brothers, Michael Francois, Dennis Francois, and Scott Francois and several nieces, nephews, in-laws and a few outlaws as well!

He was preceded in death by his father.

A memorial has been established for Dubuque Noon Optimist Club.

The family would like to thank the Dubuque Police Department and Fire Department.

And as Joe always said, "Glad you got to see me".

A photo tribute video can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Joe's obituary at www.hskfh.com.