Melvin John Behnen

Melvin John Behnen, age 96, of Bloomington, MN passed away on June 30th, 2024, in Minneapolis MN. Survived by daughters Debra (Scott) and Sheryl (Phil); and sons Tom (Deborah), Tim (Anna), Mark (Mary Beth), Scott (Gina); grandchildren Brian, Brad, Brent, Chris, Ben, Nick, Matt, Lucas, Alex; great grandchildren Caden, Nolan, Megan, Daniel, Chloe, Parker; siblings Bertie Lou, Lee, Terry, Alyce, Ronny, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife Bernice Behnen, his brother Herman Jr., and sisters Darlene and Carol. Melvin was born July 4, 1927, in New Munich, MN, to the late Herman and Veronica Behnen. He graduated from Melrose High School. During his junior and senior year, he was also the school bus driver, and drove a delivery truck after school. He was drafted into the Army in 1950. He served in Korea as a Platoon Sergeant with the 3rd Engineer Combat Battalion, assigned to the 24th Infantry Division, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class. He returned home in July 1952. On August 1, 1953, he married Bernice Kilian from Melrose, MN. First living in Minneapolis, they later settled in Bloomington, MN where they raised their six children. Mel was diagnosed with Polio six weeks after they married. After nearly six months of recovery time, he enrolled at Northwest Electronics Institute. Upon completion he worked for Radio Electric Supply for about ten years. Later, he joined Countryman Associates as an electronics manufacturer's representative. He became a partner, and eventually purchased the company, before selling and retiring in 1994 at age 67. Mel had many interests; family genealogy, fishing, boating, history, and travel. Aside from wintering in Sun City, AZ for over 20 years, travel took him and Bernice to all parts of the world. Hawaii being one of their favorites, visiting the island over 15 times! Aside from those interests, Mel focused a lot of his retirement time being an active member of the DAV, Korean War Vets Association and American Legion. He was Commander of the DAV Star Chapter #24 in Sun City, AZ and 60-year member of DAV between MN and AZ. With the Minnesota Korean War Veterans Chapter 1 of Roseville, MN, he participated in efforts to create several Korean War memorials throughout MN, as well as participating in efforts to bring home MIA's and bring closure to families. Mel's family is grateful for the staff at Minneapolis Veterans Home (where he spent the last year) for their care and for those that prayed with him, and Minnesota Hospice for their loving and compassionate care for both Mel and his family. The family asks that you remember Mel for what we loved about him: For his faith in God that started early in his life - a deep faith that brought strength and grew stronger as he lost his mobility and almost all of his eyesight, and for his belief that praying brings hope and comfort. For his sense of humor, story telling, and willingness to say, "I am sorry" and shed a tear. For his thankful spirit towards those that helped care for him at the Veteran's Home when days were challenging, and for his strong desire over so many years to help others in need. Visitation is at 9:00AM on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at St. Richards Catholic Church, 7540 Penn Ave S. Richfield, MN 55423., followed by celebration of Mass at 10am, and lunch following. Interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at 1:00PM. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation or the DAV Star Chapter #24 in Arizona. Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation 950 North Washington St. Suite 220 Alexandria, VA 22314 https://koreanwarvetsmemorial.org DAV STAR Chapter #24 PO Box 1911 Sun City, AZ 85351

Tributes

Melvin John Behnen

July 4, 1927 - June 30, 2024

Tributes

Melvin John Behnen

July 4, 1927 - June 30, 2024

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