Charles H. "Chuck" Behrendt

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Charles H. "Chuck" Behrendt, 92, of Pioneer Park Apartments, Ironwood, died unexpectedly Thursday, June 5, 2014, in his apartment.

He was born April 17, 1922, in Ironwood, son of the late Otto and Nellie (Beare) Behrendt, attended Ironwood schools, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1940. He worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps at Camp Norrie for a short time, then entered the U.S. Army Air Corps, proudly serving his country during World War II in the European Theater of Operations, and was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1946.

Following his discharge, Chuck returned home and worked in the Geneva Mine until the mine closed in 1965, then was employed at White Pine Copper Co. for 18 years, retiring in 1983.

Chuck was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ramsay, Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673 and the Range Horseshoe League. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid softball player in his younger years.

On May 24, 1947, he was united in marriage to the former Helen L. Stenman at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Ironwood, by the late Rev. Arthur Hellert. Helen preceded him in death on Nov. 21, 2007.

Surviving are a son, Charles D. (Susanne), Ironwood; grandson, Deane Behrendt, and great-grandson, Kristopher Behrendt, both of Bessemer; son-in-law, Douglas Brunell, Hurley, Wis .; sister-in-law, Jean Behrendt, Janesville, Wis .; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by his daughter, Bonita "Bonnie" Brunell, on Feb. 24, 2000; and a brother, Clifford, in 1996.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 9, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ramsay, with the Rev. Timothy Steckling, pastor, officiating.

Committal will take place at the church, followed by full military honors accorded by the Bessemer VFW Post 3673 Honor Guard.

Luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall.

Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.

To view Chuck's obituary online, sign his guestbook or offer condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home Inc., Ironwood.