Lee Karl Behrens

Lee Karl Behrens, age 84, of Fairfax, passed away Friday, January 22, 2021 at his home surrounded by family and friends. Per Lee’s wishes, his body was donated to the University of Iowa, Deed Body Program.

Lee is survived by his daughter Jill Behrens, of rural Fairfax; a sister Joan Behrens, of North Carolina; and his dog and loyal companion, Duke. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Karen.

Lee was born January 29, 1936, in Oelwein, the son of Karl and Pearl (Webb) Behrens. He graduated from Oelwein High School in 1954. Lee was united in marriage to Karen Tyler in 1961. He served in the United States Marine Corps for eight years. Lee was a journeyman ironworker, Local 89 and a farmer. He helped build the Sears Tower and the Dwayne Arnold Nuclear Facility. Lee was a member of the American Legion, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants forever, the NRA, ABATE and the Masonic Lodge, where he was a 32 ^nd degree Mason. He enjoyed race cars, riding his Harley Davidson with his best friend Jimmy, who was like a son to him. Together, they went on several poker rides and to Sturgis. Lee built, showed and raced high performance machines. In 2014, he was inducted into the Hawkeye Downs Wall of Fame. He was adamant about quality of life as apposed to quantity.

A very special thank you to the angels at hospice for enabling a peaceful transition and to Jimmy Bremmer and Vickie Hoch Stetler for all of their assistance and support.