Louis J. Behre

1929 - 2018

Louis J. Behre

Nov. 8, 1929 - May 3, 2018

NILES - I am writing my own obituary because I don't like long obits; also I would like to recognize some great friends.

I was born in Jamaica, New York, one of six children, four of whom still survive - my sisters, Loretta and Marion; and my brothers, Joseph and John. I attended Catholic grade and high schools and have continued to embrace my Catholic faith as a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church of Niles, Michigan.

I joined Clark Equipment Company upon graduation and worked with Clark for almost fifty years, interrupted by a two-year stint in the Army during the Korean War (1951-53).

I was stationed in Virginia and Massachusetts, and was very disliked as the Chief of Classification and Assignment for the Army Security Agency; sending language school dropouts to be cooks was not popular. Returning home to NYC, I attended evening classes at NYU and then Adelphia University, where I graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business after nine years of study.

I married and had three somewhat unruly children: Donna, Chris and Nick - and three definitely unruly grandchildren, Max, Alex and Hannah.

Clark sent my immediate family to Europe in 1960. I worked in Belgium and England and “had a ball”. In 1971 when my family and I arrived at Clark's headquarters in Michigan, I thought it would be a ‘fate worse than death' ... but it was hardly that. As the International Director of Advertising and Public Relations, the Chairman asked me to be the welcoming face of the company. I was able to travel the world with Clark, but I have always enjoyed returning to my rich life here in Michiana.

I have enjoyed working in the community as a host for a number of wonderful charities, planning fundraising events for Logan Center, Center for Hospice, South Bend Symphony, The History Museum, Studebaker Museum, Boys and Girls Clubs, IU Medical School at Notre Dame, WNIT, Saint Joseph Medical Foundation and many others. In lieu of flowers, your generous contribution to any one of these charities would be lovely.

I have loved being a gourmet cook, host and event planner extraordinaire, living a life surrounded by a loving family, a community of good friends and of course my antiques.

At this time, I would like to give special thanks to my family and dear friend, Florindo Rozante for ‘stepping up to the plate' with their loving care and for being with me in these last days.

I would also like to thank Monsignor Bill Schooler and Father Paul Doyle for their spiritual support during my time of need

I would now would like to recognize my dearest friends for the past thirty years:

Florindo, Ernie, Chris and Carmi, Catherine and Jack, Janie and Don, Q Mary, Stephanie, Joyce, Pat, Polly, Nan, Marijo, Pam, Amanda, Nicole and John Lewis.

If I've given anyone a hard time... I am sorry.

I am ever blessed in having known you as friends.



With Love,

Lou

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 11, 2018 from 12:00 pm until 1:30 pm at Saint Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger, IN. The Mass will begin at 1:30 p.m. A celebratory luncheon will immediately follow the Mass at the Parish Life Center.

Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.