Bette Mae Behrens
October 09, 1925 - December 25, 2019
Obituary
VERONA – On Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019, Bette Mae (Hall) Behrens passed away at age 94, shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She handled her illness with courage, grace, and tenacity.
Bette was born on Oct. 9, 1925, in Dubuque, Iowa, to John and Viola (née Heller) Hall. She met the love of her life, Reverend James F. Behrens, and they married on June 3, 1945. Together, Bette and Jim raised two children, James W. and Deborah. The Behrenses served Lutheran parishes throughout Wisconsin, in Marshfield, Shawano, Prairie du Sac, and Reedsburg, before retiring to Cedarburg. Bette later moved to Verona, where she was a devoted member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Madison.
Known for her conversational skill and charming wit, Bette made a friend wherever she went. The center of her life was always her family, and she drew great enjoyment from being “Grandma Bette.” She loved visiting her grandchildren around the country, from New York City to Chicago to Denver, and spending quality family time in the Wisconsin north woods at Dairymen’s. She will be best remembered for her compassionate, gracious spirit and her optimism and gratitude.
Bette was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Walter Behrens; three sisters, Ora Gremmels, Meriel Kuester and Mary Erpelding; and her husband. She is survived by her son, James (Jane) Behrens; daughter, Deborah (Dr. Thomas) Puchner; five grandchildren, Elizabeth (Eyal Karsh) and Rebecca (Blake Merriman) Behrens and Mollie, T.J., and Tim (Emily) Puchner; and two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Eva Behrens-Karsh.
A funeral service will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and caregivers from Agrace and Age at Home by Agrace for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Agrace HospiceCare or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002
Events
Visitation
Fri Jan 3, 2020 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Raymond Rd., Madison) • 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, wi 53711
Service
Fri Jan 3, 2020 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Raymond Rd., Madison) • 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, wi 53711
Photos
No photos of Bette have been shared yet.
Memories
DG
Deborah Goodman
Other •
My sympathy to your family. I remember growing up I played on your front porch and your Mother was a wonderful lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Debbie Herritz/Goodman
RK
Rev. Patricia A. Kelley
Other •
Such a lovely lady! She and Pastor Behrens were our neighbors in Reedsburg when they served St John's. My mother, Thelma Kelley, was very fond of her. My sympathy to her family.
LM
Laurie Meyer
Other •
My sympathy to your family. I have many fond memories growing up at St. John's church, in Reedsburg with Pastor and Bette Behrens. Two very special people. Bette always made sure to take the time to talk to each of us, as young Sunday school kids. With Dr. Puchner, as my asthma doctor, I have been fortunate to still be able to enjoy the occasional charming story from Bette's life. Blessings to you all. Laurie (VonBehren) Meyer