John Vern Behrendt

1957 - 2024

John Vern Behrendt, 66, of Kearney Nebraska formerly of Omaha was called from this life on March 12, 2024, at the Kearney Regional Medical Center. Signing off on a life that John often stated was "generally well lived and simple". John was born on June 8, 1957, in Omaha. Nebraska to the late Bernard and Ethel (Chapman) Behrendt. John was the youngest of four children, having 3 older sisters. John enjoyed growing up in Omaha often being spoiled by his mother as he was her "baby boy". John attended school in Omaha until joining the Navy on June 25, 1974, at age 17. John was especially proud of his service and all the experience he received. He served on the USS Mount Hood (AE-29) and assisted with operation "Babylift" at the end of the Vietnam War, in April 1975. John served in the Navy from 1974 to 1977. He returned to Omaha where he worked various jobs and explored his passion for riding motorcycles. His previous work included driving truck, working in the asphalt business, and construction. In June of 2022, John moved to the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney and remained there until his death.

John enjoyed his time at the Kearney Veteran's Home where he continued to ride his motorcycle. He quickly became friends with many of his fellow veterans and staff. He enjoyed trips to the Foxhole each morning for his daily coffee chat with his best friend. The rest of his days were filled with smiles and laughter with staff and tablemates. John was the ultimate prankster and loved a good joke or playing harmless pranks on some unsuspecting staff. Those same people who often experienced his antics, he also cared for deeply and all became his family. Everyone he has ever met has a John story. He was easy going loved to play music all day, ordered door dash and never took anything too seriously. God broke the mold when he made John, and he will be deeply missed.

John will be properly interred with full military honors (and maybe a beer) on Saturday June 8, 2024, in the Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park in Omaha. A motorcycle/vehicle procession will escort John from Patriot Park near the Central Nebraska Veterans Home to Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park in Omaha.

Kick stands up at 10:00 AM, please join us as we ride in honor of John and lay him to rest and finally reunite him with his parents and sisters.