Donald Glenn Behrends, age 70, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2018 at home in Livingston, Texas, with his wife by his side.

A military service will be held in Monticello, Iowa on a yet to be determined date.

Don was born April 17, 1947 in Monticello, Iowa. He was the son of Glenn and Bernice (Wenger)Behrends. Don graduated from Monticello High School in 1966 and enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1967. He was a member of the elite USAF Pararescue group and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He also assisted with the NASA Space Capsule Recovery Program missions based out of Houston, Texas. He was honorably discharged on February 16, 1971.

Don continued to live in Texas after his discharge, having many different occupations: Salesman, Insurance Agen,t and Insurance Adjuster. He worked for Gary and Ellen Hartley of Stiping Systems in McKinney. While in McKinney, he also worked as a home builder, remodeler and handyman. In later years, he worked for his friend, Paul Davis of Mr. Olivers Tractors, picking up and delivering equipment and motorhomes. In retirement, he worked driving a tour bus for Troubador, Texas, selling guns for Cabelas Sporting Goods and worked at several other jobs. Don could fix just about anything! He was constantly fixing equipment for neighbors and friends.

Even though Texas became his home, his roots ran deep in Monticello Iowa.

Don enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and boating. He also enjoyed returning to Iowa for his high school class of 1966 reunions and over the years managed to attend several of them.

He is survived by his wife, Liz and his son, Kelly, 3 sisters: Beverly (Richard) Becker, Donna Tenhoff, Grace (Dale) Zimmerman, Liz’s children: Hans Kurtz and Gretchen Dixon and grandchildren, Mackenzie, Madeline and Zane. Also left to treasure his memory are 6 nephews, 2 nieces, and several great nieces and nephews as well as 3 aunts and 2 sisters-in-law. Don was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Tom, 2 nephews and 1 niece, and his mother-in-law

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