Warren C. Behrends passed away at his home surrounded by family on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017.

Born on May 9, 1924, to Carl and Burnette Behrends, Warren lived his entire life on the familyfarm west of Albert Lea. He graduated from Alden High School in 1943.

Farm life was in every fiber of his body. His father taught him the trade and as advances in farming developed, Warren changed his farming style to keep up with the times. In his early years he milked cows and raised hogs and chickens, but farming the land was his strength.

Warren married Almira Krosch on June 25, 1947. Together they farmed and raised their family of five children: Tom, Nancy, Bob, Nona and Mark. Their lives revolved around God, family, the farm and a love for others. Tragically, Almira passed away in 1977. In 1989, Warren met Eunice Michaelis. Together they enjoyed the past 28 years. They golfed, traveled, danced and twice a week were fierce competitors in duplicate bridge.

Warren was an active member of Concordia Lutheran Church of Pickerel Lake and Albert Lea Kiwanis service Club. For over 20 years, he was a volunteer driver for the Senior Resources ride service.

Warren will be remembered for his delicious homemade pumpkin pies, for always having the right joke at the right time and for his firm handshake. He had a way of making others feel important — never missing a birthday, graduation or anniversary. He was a kindhearted family man with a positive attitude and he always wore a smile. He listened with interest, was supportive and encouraging and shared heartfelt words of wisdom that came from many years of life experience.

Warren was a skilled family historian who helped his children and grandchildren appreciate their roots by finding pictures from the past and sharing the stories behind them. He taught children and grandchildren that family history is something to be remembered and passed along to the next generation.

“I’ve lived a good life,” he often said while thinking about the past. And a very good life it was.

Left to cherish his memory are his five children, Tom (Laurie), Nancy Bogenschutz (Tim), Bob (Joanie), Nona Hovey (Brian) and Mark (Shirley); his special lady friend, Eunice Michaelis; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Almira; parents Carl and Burnette; and his two sisters, Ida Mildenstein and Joan Darling.

A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Concordia Lutheran Church of Pickerel Lake, 69471 190th St. in rural Albert Lea. The Revs. Daphne Hamborg and Peter Soli will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea and again one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be in Concordia Lutheran Church Cemetery of Pickerel Lake.