Obituary of Gladys E. Behrendt

Gladys Eleanor Behrendt, 88, of Waukesha, formerly of Allouez, died peacefully on Thursday, December 6, 2012, under the care of Seasons Hospice in Waukesha. Gladys was born April 23, 1924, in Menominee, Mich. She was the daughter of Oscar and Elizabeth (Jacobson) Westman. Upon graduating from Menominee High School, she worked for Michigan Bell Telephone. On September 20, 1952, she married Donald R. Behrendt. They moved to Green Bay and two years later bought their house on Taft Street in Allouez where they would live for more than 50 years. Gladys worked and later volunteered at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. She and her family were charter members of Ascension Lutheran Church in Allouez, and her faith in Jesus was actively at work throughout her life. Gladys enjoyed music, gardening, sewing, and Scrabble, and she was a charter member of the Vasa Swedish-American organization's Green Bay-area lodge. Gladys is survived by her three beloved sons and daughters-in-law, Don and Sandie Behrendt, Tim and Sara Behrendt, and Mark and Lisa Behrendt; her four grandchildren, Andrew (Tracy), Susan (Bob) Rach, Stephen, and Allison; and her great-grandson, Benjamin. She is also survived by her sisters, Luella Shellhorn and Carol Von Wachenfeldt; nieces and nephews; other family members; and so many good friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; her sister, Berniece Melby; and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bob Shellhorn, Lloyd Melby, John Von Wachenfeldt, Robert and Margaret Behrendt, and Ellsworth and Elsie Behrendt. The funeral service will be Thursday, December 13, at 11:30 a.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 2911 Libal St., Allouez, with Pastors Lori and Luther Swenson officiating. Visitation will be held before the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Ascension Lutheran Church.