Richard Behr

Richard David "Dickie" Behr, the man who could charm the stripes off a zebra, left the physical realm on May 21, 2025. Born on June 2, 1943, in St. Paul, MN, Richard spent his 81 years on Earth as the embodiment of creativity, humility, wit, and love.
Richard was a proud Pipefitter, and his colleagues at the University of Minnesota, where he retired in 2007, remember him fondly for his humor, humility, and creative problem-solving skills. His work was not just a job, but a testament to his dedication and commitment. As a pipefitter he found his calling in the most unexpected of places. His knack for transforming mundane pipes and spare pieces of metal into functioning works of art was nothing short of magical. In his spare time, he was an artist who could make metal dance, a sculptor who could turn a watermelon into a work of art, and a humble Picasso who could make the world a canvas. But don't let his artistic prowess fool you, Dickie was also a man of simple pleasures, like watching television and indulging his sweet tooth. Most nights you could find him watching tv with the volume too loud and Bev sitting next to him reading, and trying to hear her thoughts. Richard's life was a testament to the notion that you don't have to be famous to be unforgettable, you just have to be loving, and boy, was he ever.
Richard leaves behind a collection of individuals who were privileged to be part of his artful life. His wife, Bev Behr, who was his favorite muse; his children, David and Lori Behr, Brian and Danny Latzer, each of whom inherited a touch of his creativity. His sister, Judy Emmings, and half-brother, Martin Fox, who shared in his early adventures. The in-law brigade, consisting of Steve Emmings, Cat and Anna Latzer, Jennifer Behr, and Carol Fox, each with their own Dickie-inspired tales to tell. Richard now joins his parents, Robert and Ida Behr, and brother, Gerald Behr, presumably to continue to spread his unique sense of humor and laughter.
A graveside service will be held for Richard at the Temple of Aaron Cemetery, 1690 Dale Street N, Roseville, Minnesota, on Sunday, 25 May 2025 at 11:00am CDT. Following the service, we invite friends and family to join us for shiva at the Knollwood Place Apartments, 3630 Phillips Parkway, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, 55426, at 7:00pm CDT. Please feel free to leave memories and upload photos to his memorial page. After all, the world could do with more stories about a man who could coax a laugh from a stone and spin a tale as effortlessly as he sculpted metal.
In lieu of flowers, donations made in Richard's (or Dickie's) memory to the JCC Camp Butwin Fund.
We invite you to share your favorite memories and photos of Richard on his memorial page. His loving spirit is sure to live on in these shared stories and cherished moments.