Dennis Richard Behlmann

1940 - 2025

Dennis Richard (Denny) Behlmann

March 8, 1940 - October 26, 2025

Dennis Richard (Denny) Behlmann, age 85, of Kearney, Nebraska passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 26th, 2025 surrounded by his family. With courage and strength, he stayed active and independent for as long as possible while battling kidney and liver disease. We are most grateful for our neighbors, Kim and Joel Atchison and sons and for our friend, Amy Stump who helped him during this transition.

Denny was the oldest of eight children and was born on March 8th, 1940 to Richard and Melba (Boedeker) Behlmann in Florissant, Missouri. He attended Assumption Grade School and first year high school in O'Fallon, Missouri. He married Ruth Ann Meyer, known as Denny's Girl, on September 10th, 1960 at Assumption Catholic Church in O'Fallon, Missouri. He served in the Missouri National Guard and was called to action in the riot in Kansas City in April, 1968.

Denny was known as an organized perfectionist with a git-r-done work mentality and was very proud of all he accomplished, both at home and at work. While he never finished high school, he used his talents and skills to build and renovate houses for his family as well as complete countless numbers of handyman projects. He was a feed and seed salesman and a pork producer himself. He received many awards from Purina, Golden Sun and Master Mix. In 2019, he retired from CPI in Minden, Nebraska. Denny always enjoyed maintaining lawns and landscapes in all the houses they owned over the years, but especially loved mowing grass at his acreage here in Kearney.

Denny was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney and served as a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus St. James Council #1728. He completely renovated the 50+ year-old restrooms in the Knights of Columbus Hall and its social bar. He loved being there getting ready for bingo, fish fries and other events held in the Hall, that he bartended also. Tootsie Roll drives, that raised funds for those with special needs, were dear to him as he knew his grandson Dustin benefited from this, as well. He was honored as Knight of the Month earlier this year.

Denny was also a member of the Central Nebraska Auto Club and attended car shows with his 1977 Ford Ranchero.

He lived to help others whenever possible and rarely said no, and was proud to make a difference where he could.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ruth Ann; his son, Gary (Jennifer) Behlmann; his daughters, Laurie (Mark) Kjar and Kristi Behlmann, all of Kearney, Nebraska and Jennifer (Bobby) Zozaya of Gretna, Nebraska; his beloved grandchildren; Dustin Behlmann, Jaden Rodehorst, Jacob (Meredith) White, Makayla (Shane) Hansen, Megan (Elijah) Cortez, Olivia Mendoza, and bonus grandson, Cristian Cortez; and three great-grandchildren; Xayden and Luca Cortez, and Everlyn Hansen.

He is also survived by his brothers; Kenny and Dale Behlmann and his sisters, Janice (Rich) Virtue and Carol (Pat) Gorman all of Missouri; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father and mother; his brothers Donny (Virginia) Behlmann and Fred Behlmann.; and his sister, Jackie (Joe) Iffrig.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church with Father Art Faesser celebrating. Interment will follow at Kearney Cemetery. A Rosary/Prayer Service will be held 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church. A visitation will follow from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

The service will also be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@stjameskearney6523/streams.