Jeanne Behal

1924 - 2023

Jeanne Behal
October 20, 1924 - November 6, 2023
Jeanne Behal of Seguin died November 6, 2023 at the age of 99 years. She was born in her grandparent's home in Seguin, Texas on October 20, 1924 to Eugene and Norma Maierhofer Voges. She attended Saint Joseph (now St. James) Parochial School, Seguin High School and Texas Lutheran University. Jeanne married Harry Behal (deceased) on August 1, 1948. Their union was blessed with seven children, five boys and two girls. The first years of their marriage were spent in a house built by Harry along the Guadalupe River, near Starke Park. Harry's career opportunities took the family on to other locations in the state; Hondo, Crystal City and Eagle Pass, Texas. Jeanne was active in Girl Scouts as a child and as a Girl Scout leader with her daughters. She held many different Scout leadership roles as well as roles in the Parent Teachers Club of Our Lady of Refuge Parochial School. Her leadership roles in the community were noted and she was asked in March 1966 to assist in setting up a government sponsored program for pre-school children which later became known as the Head Start Program. In September 1966 she accepted a position in the school library. Many schools during that time did not have a school library. Under the Federal Title 1 Program Jeanne helped set up school libraries at San Luis, Kennedy Hall and Glass Elementary schools in Eagle Pass, Texas. She worked at Glass Elementary for eighteen years, she always felt satisfaction knowing that her efforts helped so many children appreciate the joy of reading. She was a respected resource for teachers and mentored other librarians. Skillfully maintaining a household for a family of nine and a full time job with the school district, her home was the gathering point of the children of the neighborhood, always with a welcoming smile and a place at the dining table. She served several terms on the Board of Directors on the El Camino Girl Scout Council in San Angelo and was instrumental in developing the Jo Jan Van Girl Scout Camp in scenic Bull Head Canyon at Vance, Tx. She was awarded the "Thank You Badge," the Girl Scout highest honor for her many accomplishments during 29 years. She also served several terms as President of the United Way in Eagle Pass. At the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet in 1979, she was honored with being named Maverick County Citizen of the Year. She retired in May 1990, after twenty-four years as a librarian, she and Harry returned to Seguin. After returning to Seguin, she volunteered at St. James School library and coordinated bereavement receptions at St. James church. She was an active member of her church and St. Ann's Circle. She was also an active volunteer with The Silver Center and the American Legion. In retirement, she and Harry enjoyed visiting other countries and experiencing different cultures. Jeanne is survived by her seven children and their spouses Eugene (Beverly), Patricia (Clark), Mary (Jill), Harry Jr. (Erhard), John (Terry), Charlie (Rhonda) and Richard (Lisa), and six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her greatest joys were family activities such as family camping trips to State and National Parks or just a day at home when the family visited. Jeanne will be remembered for her love of her family, her love of books, her love of birds and animals, her faith and her selfless contributions to her community and church. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Goetz Funeral Home Tuesday November 14th. Rosary will be recited at St. James Catholic Church at 11:30 am November 15th. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow with interment at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park. Reception following burial at St. James Catholic Church Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the Guadalupe County Humane Society at gchshumane.com or charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Goetz Funeral Home of Seguin, Texas. Online condolences can be made at www.goetzfuneral.com.