Louise Elizabeth (Parker) Behrends, one of eight children of Reuben and Flora (Pattee) Parker, was born December 15, 1927 in Beaver, Oklahoma. She spent her early years and attended school in Beaver. Louise joined her sister in southeast Nebraska as a young woman and worked at the Humboldt Hospital in Humboldt, Nebraska.
During a chance meeting, Louise met her future husband, Melvin D. Behrends. They said their wedding vows on August 19, 1953 at St. John Lutheran (Stone) Church near Auburn, Nebraska. They made their home on a farm south of Auburn and Louise cared for their six children and the home. Later in life the couple moved to Johnson, Nebraska.
Louise was baptized and confirmed on March 7, 1954 at Stone Church. She loved to sew and quilt and spent many hours doing both at the church. She enjoyed reading and going for walks at her home in Johnson. Louise was also a big Husker football and volleyball fan.
After Melvin’s passing on October 12, 1998 Louise continued to live at their home in Johnson for many years. She later moved to Long’s Creek Village Assisted Living in Auburn, where she enjoyed the camaraderie of other residents. In December 2018 Louise became a resident of Good Samaritan Society-Auburn.
It was at Good Sam, on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 that Louise passed away at the age of 91 years and 5 months. In addition to her husband and parents, Louise was preceded in death by 4 brothers, 1 sister, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Louise is survived by her children and spouses Karen Behrends of Lincoln; Gene and Karin Behrends of Prescott, AZ; Linda and Don Arquette of Sarasota, FL; Lois Behrends of Kit Carson, CO; Laddie and Rick Helms of Auburn; Shelley Behrends of Lincoln; 9 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister Ima Lofton of Amarillo, TX; brother and sister-in-law Otto “Corky” and Esther Parker of Beaver, OK; brother-in-law Maynard Behrends of Johnson; sisters-in-law Ora Behrends of Auburn; Lenora Remmers of Johnson; other relatives and friends.
A funeral service will be Tuesday, May 21, 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran (Stone) Church near Auburn. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home in Auburn Monday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 5:00 to 7:00.
Memorials are suggested Long’s Creek Assisted Living or St. Croix Hospice.