Robert "Bob" Behlen

Robert "Bob" BehlenDecember 16, 1945-September 12, 2019

Robert "Bob" Behlen, 73, died Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, in Columbus.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus, with the Rev. Patrick Sparling and Rev. Chris Ramstad officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 16, at Gass Haney Funeral Home, and will continue from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Tuesday at the church. A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Interment will be in the Shell Creek Baptist Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Hartman Post 84. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to that of the family choice.

Bob Behlen was born Dec. 16, 1945, in Columbus, to Elmer and Virgie (Mohrman) Behlen. Bob attended Shell Creek Baptist Church where he was baptized in April 21, 1953. He attended District 77 Platte County Grade School and graduated from Columbus High School in 1963. After graduation, Bob joined the Air National Guard from Sept. 1, 1965, until his honorable discharge in September 1971. Bob worked for Purina Feeds and later Gene's Conoco. Bob and his brother, Carroll, purchased Gene's and renamed it Behlen Conoco, which was later renamed Behlen Towing and Auto Repair. Carroll retired in 2007 and they sold the towing business while Bob continued on as Behlen Auto Repair until retiring in 2012. Bob was united in marriage to Ardith Osten on July 17, 1966, at St. John's Lutheran Church LCMS.

Bob served on the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department for 52 years. For 30 years, he taught fire extinguisher classes for the Junior Fire Patrol. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW, enjoyed gardening and international tractors. He enjoyed spending time at the family cabin at Ernst Lake and helping his cousins with harvest. Bob's great love in life was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Bob is survived by wife, Ardith Behlen of Columbus; daughter, Kelly (Greg) Harder of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; grandson, Colt Harder; son, Brian (Jodi) Behlen of Waverly; granddaughters, Jordyn and Rylan Behlen; brother, Larry (Micky) Behlen of Columbus; sister, Joani (Gerry) Szudlo of Lincoln; sister-in-law, Charlene Behlen of Columbus; brother-in-law, Darrel (Carol) Osten of Columbus; brother-in-law, Dennis (Monette) Osten of Columbus; brother-in-law , Duane Osten of Columbus; sister-in-law, Arlene (Dave) Blessen of Bennington; nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by parents, Elmer and Virgie Behlen; brother, Carroll Behlen; nephew-in-law, John Matteson.

Condolences may be sent to www.gasshaney.com