Raymond Lynne Behrens was born on a farm northwest of Anthon, on 27 July 1923, the son of Peter John and Laura Marie (Madsen) Behrens. He grew up on this farm attending a rural country school taught by his sister, Lillian Behrens. He was baptized at Rock Branch Methodist Church, north of his home. He attended Anthon High School, graduating in 1941. He farmed with his Dad prior to entering the Navy on 1 April 1944.
He received his initial training at Farragut, Idaho. He later was stationed at AFS NRB at San Diego, California; AGC (PAC), ComNavTraDistCom at San Francisco, Treasure Island, Calif. He served aboard a Tanker, ‘The S.S. River Raisin’.
Lynne joined the Ancient Order of the Deep, 9 December 1944, having crossed the Equator aboard this tanker.
During his service in the Navy, Lynne earned the following ribbons for serving in the following areas: American Area, European-African Middle Eastern Area, and the Asiatic-Pacific Area.
Lynne was honorably discharged from the Navy at the USN Personnel Separation Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 21 May 1946.
On 12 June 1947, Lynne was united in marriage to Virginia Yvonne “Bonnie” Eckert at the Federated Church at Oto. They lived a short time at Sioux City, Iowa, before moving to the G.W. Malcom farm at Oto, where their children were born, Steven Lynne on 10 April 1948, Vickie Rae on 30 November 1950, and Roger Dean on 6 January 1954. All were born at Bonnie’s Alma Mater St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sioux City.
When their home was destroyed by fire, they sold out and moved back to Sioux City. In June 1957, they moved to their present home where Bonnie still lives, Lynne having passed away in 2002.
Lynne worked for awhile as a mechanic at a service station prior to opening The Auto Beauty Salon on the westside in Sioux City, which he operated for several years. He sponsored a bowling team under this name on which Lynne and Bonnie and two of their friends, Frank and Monica Tullis bowled for several years.
Upon the closing of the Auto Beauty Salon, Lynne was employed at the United Wholesalers as a counter salesman from where he retired 1 August 1985.
Following retirement, Lynne remained active doing volunteer work for the Department of Human Services in Sioux City. He also drove several years for the Department of the Blind out of Des Moines. Lynne and Bonnie volunteered on Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm Military Family Support Line in 1990-91, answering the phones after office hours. Lynne was honored with several Governor’s award for his volunteer work.
Besides doing volunteer work, Lynne loved to go on fishing trips, bowling, playing cards, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Lynne was a member of Trimble United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #1981, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1973, and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #77, all in Sioux City.
Lynne passed away 22 June 2002, at Mercy Medical Hospital. Internment is at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Bonnie, his sons, Steve Behrens and Roger and his wife, Glenys Behrens, a daughter Vickie and her husband CMSgt Timothy Griffin. Grandchildren Tim Behrens, Michael and his wife Melinda Behrens, Tyler Behrens, Travis and wife Alicia Behrens, Seth Behrens, Tanya and her husband Casey Brachman, Melanie and her husband James Darley, Cicholaus, Desiree, Neco, and Jesslynn Griffin. Great grandchildren Corey and Cyle Behrens, Jordan Behrens, Regan and Kevin Brachman; two sisters Lillian Savage and Joyce McCormick and several other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Dale Behrens, and a great grandson, Cody Lee Behrens.
Submitted by his wife, Bonnie Behrens.
