Burton Harris Behrens

Burton Behrens, age 95, of Marengo, passed away Saturday, January 13th at Rose Haven Nursing Home in Marengo, Iowa. There are no services scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Compass Memorial Hospital Emergency Care Department in his name.

He was born on May 31, 1922, in Albert City, Iowa to Henry and Ester (Johnson) Behrens. He graduated from Sioux Rapids Consolidated School and enlisted in the Navy during WWII where he was an officer on the USS Liddle. After receiving numerous awards and commendations Burt decided to return to school and went on to graduate from Iowa State University with a degree in Agricultural Economics and a minor in Agronomy. Following college he married Evelyn Berninger in 1949. Together, they had two children. Burt’s career path took him to Liberia, West Africa where he served as an advisor for the International Assistance Corporation. He held similar positions throughout his career in Indonesia and Africa. He enjoyed traveling and learning the different cultures with his second wife Barbara Burt whom he married in 1969.

He is survived by his children, Susan Barkhurst, Steven (Janet) Behrens; step children; Babs (Courtney) Mitchell, Clara Hopkins, and Hardee (Bruce) Klitzman; along with many grandchildren. He will be honored by being laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.