Garth Eugene Behrendt

1937 - 2021

Garth Eugene Behrendt

Lansing - Garth was first and foremost a family man who devoted his time, energy,

and example to his children, wife, friends and grandchild.

Born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin on September 29, 1937. He was born the second son of Arthur E. Behrendt and mother Violet Elizabeth Lyons.

Garth went to Washington High School in Two Rivers where he graduated in 1955. An active student, Garth participated in athletics as a member of the basketball, football, and swim teams. He was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" and "Most Popular Boy Student" by his senior class.

The school newspaper and the strength of the written word and the power of storytelling provided a clear path that led to Garth's passion as a journalist, and eventual manager of corporate communications.

Garth joined the Air Force and served as an air traffic control operator in Texas from November 7, 1955 until August 6, 1959.

Returning to his home town in Wisconsin, Garth worked toward a college degree and met his wife to be, Dianne Wilda. They married in Manitowoc in 1963. They would raise four children together. As a married student, he worked and took classes earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the UWM.

In 1978, the family moved to Lansing, Mich. where he became a lifelong member of St. Gerard Parish.

Garth retired from Consumers Power in Lansing and continued to be a loving, supportive husband, father, and grandpa to his grandson, Tommy. Garth loved his wife, all holidays, his dogs, the outdoors, maintaining his yard, flower beds, bird feeders, and cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers.

Garth was preceded in death by his brother Darryl (Marlene) Behrendt and his brother Bruce (CJ) Behrendt.

Garth is lovingly remembered by wife Dianne Behrendt, and children Jeffrey (Mari) Behrendt, Eric Behrendt, Kerry (Tom) Lear, Thomas (Sherri) Behrendt; Grandson Tommy Lear, Jaquelyn Lear, Harper and Paisley Bidwell, and Moranda (Dan) Gowell.