Charles Freeman Behrend

He was born September 30, 1929, in Powers, Michigan, a son of Karl and Lila (Menard) Behrend. Following graduation from Powers High School, Chuck entered the US Navy, serving during the Korean Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge in 1954, he returned to the Upper Peninsula, enrolling at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. During his summers at Michigan Tech, he worked laying the substructure of the Houghton-Hancock bridge, one of the last bridges constructed with rivets. On September 3, 1955, Chuck was united in marriage with the love of his life the former Joanne Iverson. Early in his career, Chuck was employed for several years with the Michigan Highway Department focusing on bridge construction between Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace, Menominee County, Norway, and Grand Rapids. He then served as Menominee City Engineer for six years where he designed and supervised numerous projects including the installation of the first piers at the Menominee Marina, development of River Park, and construction of the Water Tower. He served as engineer/manager for 25 years for the Menominee County Road Commission maintaining 1,200 miles of road and 100 miles of State trunk line.

In the early years of his retirement he and Joanne traveled the U.S. in their RV visiting family and sightseeing. Chuck truly enjoyed living in the beautiful U.P., listening to Jazz and Big Band music, spending time at his family’s camp in Powers, and especially being with his children, grandchildren and extended family. He loved to be outdoors and took daily walks until moving to Jacobetti.

Survivors include his five children, Charles (Patricia) Behrend of Media, PA, Anne (Joseph) Levandoski of Marquette, Daniel (Barbara) Behrend of Waunakee, WI, Steven (Jane) Behrend of Appling, GA and Eric (Adriena) Behrend of Fort Worth, TX; eighteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; his brother, William (Renee) Behrend of Menominee and a sister-in-law Jeritha Henriksen; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joanne (Iverson) Behrend; a brother, Miles Behrend; a sister-in-law, Christine Behrend; and a brother-in-law, Martin Henriksen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Michigan Veterans Home D.J. Jacobetti Life Enrichment Fund, 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, MI 49855.

Friends may call at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Bark River on Saturday, March 23, beginning at 10:00 am EST. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am EST with Rev. Darryl Pepin, pastor, as celebrant. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the kind staff of Almost Family of Marinette, Wisconsin whose services allowed Chuck to remain in his own home for as long as possible and to the staff at Jacobetti who treated Chuck with such compassion and kindness.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.