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Ralph Behler Obituary
http://web.me.com/djefh/ralphbehler
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Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Behler
Phyllis(Montague) and Bob Smith
February 17, 2012
I just received notification of Ralph's passing. I remember him fondly from the past Behler reunions. He and Totsie were always kind and had a great sense of humor. Our thought are with the family.
zenko zulu
February 28, 2011
Totsy, met you and Ralph and then got to know you guys a little more through talking about you on our almost daily walks with your daughter Jill.
A wonderful father, a loving father, had big shoulders for her to lean on even when many states apart.
That thought will continue to support her as we help Jill remember all the good times she had with Ralph.
I wish the family strength and courage through the coming days.
February 27, 2011
Tot,
Jim Ford just sent me Ralph's obit. I'm so sorry for your loss. I don't have your address so here I am. The older I get the more I think about our school days. How nice you and Ralph always were to me, Bill's little sister. I hope you are well.
Joan(Ford)Watts
February 27, 2011
Our family considers our 7-year tenure on Cherokee Rd in Pontiac to have been most enhanced by the presence of our “across the street� neighbors The Behlers. Their wisdom and experience offered our young family by example a way to approach parenting, community involvement as well as social responsibility. Ralph's election to city government was an opportunity for our children (John, Jennifer & Matt) to see how government works at the grass roots level. Making and passing out signs, even though they became rain soaked and fell to the ground left us proud and personally gratified when he won. Ralph was a creative and astute citizen and he and Totsy though devoted to their family were always concerned about other families and the larger community as well.
My last conversation at Christmas time 2010 with Ralph and Totsy included Ralph's insights and observations on the current national political scene. Our community has benefited by this thoughtful gentleman and he will be sadly missed.
Susan Arnold and Family (Clarkston, MI)
Margie Powers
February 27, 2011
Very sorry to hear about Ralph's passing. It has been a long time since Joe and I visited him and Totsy in Pontiac. Occasionally we would see them both at the Behler reunions in Alto. I always remember him as being so upbeat and genuine. It is sad and we both offer our condolences. Margie (and Joe) Powers (Margie Montague)
Pauline Davis
February 26, 2011
I only received notification today 2-26-2011 of the passing of my cousin Ralph. I'm sorry that I was not able to contact the family before his funeral and tell them how sorry I am for there lost. My family joins me in sending our condolences to Totsy and family. Ralph was like my younger brother while I lived with his family for three years. Pauline Montague Davis
February 26, 2011
Our sympathy to Totsy and the family for the loss of Ralph. I remember him from the Behler reunions in years past.
Cordially,
Phyllis (Montague) and Bob Smith
Todd Larson
February 24, 2011
Mr. Behler always let me cut through his yard and always greeted me with a smile... He will be missed.
Karen Schoenemann Rafferty
February 24, 2011
Mr. Behler was a huge part of my childhood because of my friendship with his daughter Jill. I will always have happy memories of his kind demeanor and great smile. Some of his advice still lingers with me. When he was running for public office, he told me it was important for everyone to help out, and do their part. That is the kind of man he was....always doing his part.
All of the Schoenemann family send their blessings, and you are in our prayers.
February 23, 2011
Ralph was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known. He was
truly a family man. His family always came first. For that I always
admired him. May God continue to bless his family, especially his
wife, Totsy. A really great personality.
Charley Blood
February 23, 2011
I have had the pleasure of knowing Ralph since our days in the Navy V-12 training program, dating back to 1945 at Indina State in
Terre Haute, Indiana and then on to the Univerity of Illinois where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Naval Science and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanjcal Engineering. We have kept in touch all these subsequent years. What a joy it has been. He will be deeply missed. He and his percious wife "Totsy" are very dear to me and my wife"Trish". We send our heartfelt sympathies, and offer our prayers of thanksgiving and petition for Ralph and "Totsy" and their family
Tina Hofmann
February 23, 2011
Ralph was a great friend and neighbor, involved community member and a lot of fun to be around. Ralph was bright, intuitive and always willing to help out whether as a community leader, a mentor to others or listening to all sides when a problem arose. He greeted everyone with a smile, genuine interest and a sense of humor.
“The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.” Albert Schweitzer
This is what Ralph embodied.
Paul Lipson
February 23, 2011
We are very saddened by the loss of Ralph to our community and to the Keego Harbor Optimist Club. Ralph has been a member of our club for over 20 years. During that time he served as an outspoken leader for the children of Keego Harbor. To many of us, Ralph was more than a friend and a fellow Optimist. Ralph was a mentor. I sought Ralph’s wisdom many times as both an Optimist member and as principal of Roosevelt School. We will deeply miss Ralph and we offer our sincere condolences to Totsy and the family.
Sincerely,
Paul Lipson and the
Keego Harbor Optimist Club
Robert & Jacqueline Burns
February 23, 2011
We were deeply saddened to hear of Ralph's passing. He was a gracious man, a friend, and my mentor/advisor as far as community involvement was concerned. Ralph was a motivator in getting things accomplished for the betterment of the communities in which he lived.
He was one of the most influential members of the Keego Harbor community, serving as City Council Member, Mayor-Pro Tem & Mayor, and a member of several boards, commissions,& committies, if not the Chairman of such. He was Past President and Board Member of the Keego Harbor Optimist Club.
As a friend to all, he certainly will be missed.
Jacque and I offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to Totsy and the Behler family.
Robert & Jacque Burns
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Former KH residents
charlie kimbel
February 23, 2011
I knew Ralph when i worked at keego harbor police dept
use to deliver his council packages to him
great guy to know.
so sorry to hear of his passing
may god bless you and your family
February 23, 2011
Ralph was one of the great men that I have known and a super executive for GM. He understood people in a caring and endearing way and he empowered them to do what had to be done and stood aside unless needed. He was a good friend to all and a fun guy on the golf course. He will always have a place in my heart and mind.
Harriet and I offer our condolences to his entire family. He will be missed, but heaven will be an even better place with him there.
Sincerely, Larry and Harriet Parks
February 22, 2011
A dear friend, Ralph Behler, has passed on. I knew Ralph, and worked with him at GM Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, for 35 years. He was an excellent Engineer and Manager, friendly, great PR and active politically and socially in many organizations.
My wife, Betty, and I offer our deepest and sincerest condolences to "Totsy" and his entire family. Eternal Rest Grant Unto Him. May he Rest in Peace.
Ed and Betty Toton
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