Harold Behrends

Harold Behrends, 86, of Ackley, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Hansen Family Hospital in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the Bethel Reformed Church in Aplington with burial in the Oakwood Cemetery in Ackley. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the church. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley.
Harold Behrends was born the son of Ben and Grace (DeVries) Behrends on August 21, 1939 at the home of his parents in rural Austinville, Iowa. Harold's education started at the "Crooked School", a country school that was down the road from his family farm until the 8th grade. He then attended the Aplington School and graduated in the year 1957.
Harold was baptized and completed confirmation at the Christian Reformed Church in Austinville, Iowa. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Hampton, Iowa and later of the Bethel Reformed Church rural Aplington, Iowa.
Harold was united in marriage to Joan Barnes on June 11, 1965 in Hampton, Iowa at the First Baptist Church. Together they farmed the family farm for many years. He served on the board of Dumont Community Oil Company and the Butler County Extension Board. He worked part time for many years at the Ackley Sales Barn and the Aplington Sales Barn.
After moving to Ackley he worked at Worthington Ag Parts, Country Turf & Timber and VanWall all in Iowa Falls, Iowa. He worked for Mid-Iowa Auctions of Iowa Falls.
He could be found mowing and doing odd jobs around the town of Ackley. He loved farms sales, auctions, garage sales and crafting and putting 1000 piece puzzles together. Harold enjoyed his family, neighbors and many friends. He enjoyed going with Joan to many school/church and sporting events of the daycare children who were in their home for many years. Each of these children held a special place in his heart. While not able to spend time with his grandson's Shane and Gabe, they were dearly loved and always in his thoughts and prayers.
He is survived by his loving wife Joan, son Jon (Sarka) and two grandson's Shane and Gabe. Harold is also survived by his siblings Edward Behrends of Parkersburg, Iowa, Larry (Gail) Behrends of Mason City, Iowa, DeWayne (Kathy) Behrends of Evansdale, Iowa, and sister, Linda (James) Allen of Mason City, Iowa, one sister-in-law Pat Bierman of Ackley, Iowa. Also many nieces/nephews and cousins. He was proceeded in death by an infant brother, Floyd, his parents, father and mother-in-law Raymond and Mary Barnes, his sister Gladys Bierman, brother-in-law Vernon Bierman and sister-in-law Shirley Behrends.
In addition Harold is survived by Joan's three sisters Norma (Jack) Craighton of Mason City, Iowa, Jane Humphrey of Clear Lake, Iowa, Judy (David) Begalske of Clear Lake, Iowa. One sister-in-law Mary Barnes of Hampton, Iowa.