Council Bluffs, Iowa
Donna Jean Behrens, age 74, of Council Bluffs, passed away March 6, 2009 at Mercy Hospital.
Donna was born October 11, 1934, in Missouri Valley, Iowa, to the late Elias Maxwell and Helen Lucille (McGee) Spencer. She graduated from Missouri Valley High School in 1952. On May 15, 1953, Donna was united into marriage with John H. Behrens in Missouri Valley. To this union, five children were born. Donna was critical care unit coordinator at St. Joseph Hospital from 1975-1995. After her retirement, Donna was a receptionist for the Council Bluffs Board of Realtors. Donna was a member of First Church of the Nazarene; volunteer at The Center and precinct poll volunteer at Hoover School.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, John H. Behrens; daughters, Debra Powell and husband Wayne, Gina Behrens-Hunter, Kim Harter and husband Scott; sons, John Behrens and wife Patti, Rod Behrens, all of Council Bluffs; grandchildren, Ryan and Joshua Powell, Jacob Behrens, Lindsey Behrens, Casey, Cody and Spencer Hunter; great grandchildren, Nina Sauvain and Henry Powell; brother, Carl Spencer and wife Ruth, of Papillion, Neb.
Visitation with the family, Monday, 6-8 p.m. at Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Funeral Home. Funeral service, Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. at the mortuary with Pastor Celeste Norman, Minister of Community Life, at First Church of the Nazarene, officiating. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. A lunch will follow at First Church of the Nazarene. Memorials are suggested to The Center or Hospice with Heart.
This obituary was originally published in The Daily Nonpareil.
I enjoyed the time with her when I came to MO Valley listening to her play the guitar and yodeling she was such fun to be around!!
Linda Fuqua
March 02, 2020 | Indep, MO | Family
John and Family, we just learned today that you lost Donna 3 weeks ago. We are so saddened by this news.
We have so many wonderful memories of our visits and when you all would come to Topeka to visit us.
The campfires, singing and yodeling, cooking and eating (a lot) laughing and just having a good time.
Donna will be remembered for so many things, as I see when browsing the guest book. She was a wonderful lady and friend to all.
Please accept our condolences. ...
Virg & Naomi Clifton
March 27, 2009 | Topeka, KS
Donna Jean Behrens
October, 11th 1934 March 6th 2009
Mom loved her family above all other things on this earth. She and Dad sacrificed throughout life in order to provide for their 5 children and all of their grandchildren although they would never call it a sacrifice.
She always worked outside the home and yet she would always manage to attend all of our school functions, our sporting events, our school plays, and still find time to keep a spotless home and cook large meals. ...
Deb Powell
March 15, 2009 | Council Bluffs, IA
Kim and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. My heart goes out to you. We'll keep you in our prayers.
Pam and Scott Wright family
Pamela Wright
March 13, 2009 | Council Bluffs, IA
i was so sorry to hear about your loss. as a chid growing up next door to you i carry a memory i have never lost. i remember mrs. behrens (that's what we had to call her, never donna) and her mother sitting on their porch with all us kids around them as they played their instruments and sang many songs it was a beautiful part of my growing up and i thank her for that
my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time may you find strength in family and friends
kella sales
March 11, 2009 | Council Bluffs, IA
Some women have a unique and special charachter about them. They have a special heart and soul within themselves that always commands respect without them even trying.
Donna Behrens was that to me. Many times after speaking with her,
I felt like I just spoke with my own mother. She was very quick to praise me and she damn sure was not afraid to scold us when Johnnie and I were up to no good.
She would always call me Johnnie Barber and I could never figure out why she had to say...
John Barber
March 11, 2009 | Council Bluffs, IA
Please accept my condolances
Chris Harriman
March 11, 2009 | Fort Walton Beach, FL
Ryan and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Please let me know if you need anything. May you hold the memories close to your heart. God Bless
Nicole Hansen-Dvorak
March 11, 2009 | Council Bluffs, IA
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.I was sorry to learn of the recent death of your wife. Personally, we would like to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult transition period for you and your family. God Bless
Burns Family
March 10, 2009 | Council Bluffs, IA
