In loving memory of George D. Behrend - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

George D Behrend, age 74, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. George was born Aug 26, 1947 in Cleveland OH, to parents George A Behrend and Olga Gruszczynski Behrend. George grew up in Brook Park OH and later moved to Olmsted Falls OH, Brunswick, OH, and The Villages FL, his “Happy Place”.

George’s greatest joy was his family, and he took great pleasure watching his daughters grow up to be loving, compassionate and successful young women. But his grandsons, Patrick and Michael, were his ultimate joy. He was their “Tickle Gramps” and treasured every minute he spent with them. Gramps was their biggest fan, attended their lacrosse and hockey games as often as possible, and was exceedingly proud of the outstanding young men they became.

George’s mantra was “Service to humanity is the best work of life,” and he lived his life giving to others. George was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Brook Park OH. As a youth he was a member of Luther League, on a local and district level. He was a member of the Senior Choir and served for over forty years on Church Council, including President of the Congregation. George’s friends at RLC were family to him. After moving to FL, he remained in contact with RLC and the activities of the congregation, always keeping their ministry in his prayers.

As a young adult, George joined Parma Jaycees and Olmsted Community Jaycees, serving in various local, regional, and state positions and was named US JCI Senator #28673. Following his Jaycee career, he joined the Kiwanis Club of Olmsted Falls as an active member and committee chairman, and served as Treasurer for 12 years. He received Layman of the Year, several Kiwanis Legion of Honor Awards and a Hixson Fellowship. His Kiwanis friends were a supportive group of lifelong “brothers”. George also served as President of the Olmsted Falls Democratic Club and was a trustee with Youth Challenge. In his spare time George loved to golf and proudly scored a hole-in-one at The Villages in 2018.

George is survived by Donna, his loving wife of 56 years; cherished daughters, Tracy Roman (Paul) and Nancy Behrend Cole (Cameron); his two beloved grandsons, Patrick Roman and Michael Roman; siblings, Lynn Probert (Jim), Terry (Susan), Lori Renard (Dan) and Mark (Laura); sister in-law, Judy; numerous nieces and nephews; and grand-dog, Holly. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David.

His family and friends will honor George and celebrate his life on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 2:00 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6151 Smith Rd, Brook Park OH 44142. Please wear your tie dyed shirts or bright colors to celebrate George. Parking is limited, please carpool; overflow parking is available at the United Methodist Church, 6220 Smith Rd, across from Redeemer. George’s service will be streamed on both YouTube and the Redeemer Facebook page, at Redeemer Lutheran Church Brook Park OH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church.