Melva H. Behrens

Melva H. Behrens, 98, of Glyndon, MN passed away peacefully July 27, 2023.
She was born to parents Arnold and Ester (Utesch) Gohlke, September 1, 1924, in Cuero, Texas where she met and married her husband Helmut "Hallie" Behrens, September 24, 1945. They lived and raised their family in Glyndon, MN for 66 years.

Mom and Dad had a wonderful life together on the farm. The door was always open and Mom greeted you with “Ya’ll come on in”. The kitchen was a favorite gathering space and we shared countless meals around the farmhouse table, celebrating many holidays and all things family.
  
If Melva wasn’t doting on her family she loved tending to her gardens, canning, dancing with dad, reading a good book, playing games and doing puzzles. She was a great cook and baker (her bubble breads, pinwheels and licorice snaps all live on in our kitchens). She had a strong faith in God and was very active in her church (Glyndon Lutheran). Nothing made her happier than a visit from her grandchildren. She had an amazing memory and loved to tell family stories.

Melva will be greatly missed by her twelve children, John (Kay), Trudi (Butch), Gary (Marilyn), Mike (Gretchen), Jen (Don), Kay (Al), Eric (Beth), Phil (Jennifer), Carrie, Leah (Bob), Lesley, Tammy (Marty), 26 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many other loving family members and friends.
Melva was preceded in death by her parents, husband Hallie (2012), 3 sisters (Mildred, Arni, Helen), great grandson Zachery, sons-in-law Todd Singer and Jeff Barth, brothers-in-law (Glynn, Mac, Martin, Heinrich) and sisters-in-law (Lottie, Harriet, Agnes). 

The family extends a special thank you to:     
Serenity Assisted Living, Dilworth, MN for making her feel at home, special and safe.
Eventide Nursing Home, Moorhead, MN for your care and patience through her recovery.
Ann Gytri, for being a wonderful friend through the years.
Eric and Beth, for just being there for her when Dad could no longer do it.
Daughter Kay, for being her #1 chauffeur, errand runner, financial advisor and Friday scrabble partner. She rarely let you win a game but you won something bigger, a cherished memory.
And to all who loved her and called her mom, grandma, aunt Melva, sister and friend, you gave her life meaning, joy and laughter. She held a special place in her heart for each and every one of you.
Her last wish is that we pass on her stories and traditions to future generations and continue to love each other and gather together.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 3, 2023, from 5-6:30 PM with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN
A funeral service with Livestream will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023, at 2:00 PM with a visitation one hour before the service at Glyndon Lutheran Church, Glyndon, MN.
Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Glyndon, MN.