John Behl

John Frederick Behl, 77, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, January 3, 2010, at his home under the care of his family and Lakeland Hospice. He was born November 21, 1932, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the son of George Christian and Alma Margaret (Dallum) Behl. He graduated from Central High School in Grand Forks in 1950. He attended the University of North Dakota, graduating with an Engineering Degree in 1959. From 1952 – 1960 he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he received the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. He also served with the Army National Guard of the United States, and the Army National Guard of North Dakota. On August 21, 1955, he married Shirley Mae Bushee in Wahpeton, North Dakota. He was employed by Southern California Edison Company for 34 years, until 1994. He was a member of the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 47, the VFW, American Legion, and Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. Preceding him in death were his parents, and a sister, Yvonne Johnson. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Behl of Fergus Falls; five children: Jack, Mike, Julie, Jo Anne, and Susan; eight grandchildren: Jacquelyn, Brandon, Jana, Sarah, Rachel, James, Monica, and Jonathan; a great-grandson, Ethan; and five siblings: George, David, Eleanor, Muriel, and Elaine. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with 6:30 prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m. Friday, January 8, 2010, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls Officiant: Father LeRoy Schik Interment: St. Mary’s Cemetery in Breckenridge, MN Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Military Participation by the Fergus Falls VFW and American Legion Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com