Bruce Behrends

Bruce Herman Behrends, 87, of Wiota, Iowa, passed away April 2, 2024, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Bruce was born September 2, 1936, to Herman and Blanche (Gerlock) Behrends at the family home near Wiota, Iowa.  He grew up on the family farm learning that the land was part of him and he was part of the land.  This respect resulted in a life focused on family, a successful farming business, honesty, hard work, service to others, and friend on every corner.  Even though he didn’t talk much about his faith in God – he lived it.

He attended Wiota High School and graduated with the Class of 1955 at which time he began farming.  Bruce enjoyed living on the farm and participating in 4-H showing beef cattle.  He served in the Iowa National Guard for seven years.  On April 30th, 1960, he married Marilyn Esbeck and they would have celebrated 64 years of marriage later this month.  

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic and was a lifetime Elk’s Lodge member.  Bruce loved farming, spending time with his family and grandchildren, occasional trips to Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs baseball games, annual trips to the Iowa State Fair and Worlds of Fun, and time playing golf and cards with dear friends.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Wiota; three children, Jodi (Mark) Page of Waconia, Minnesota, Kent of Oviedo, Florida, and Keith (Lily) of Bradenton, Florida; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Delores (Ray) Christensen of Omaha, Nebraska; brother, George (Diane) Behrends of Wiota; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Earl and Erma Esbeck; brother-in-law, Gary Schwab; and niece, Kelly Esbeck.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 13th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic.  Visitation will be one hour before the service with lunch being served in the church fellowship hall after the service.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Bruce's family and his arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com