Charmian K. Behrends Obituary (1940 - 2017)

Charmian Kay Behrends peacefully entered her eternal rest with her Lord Tuesday morning, June 27, 2017. Although long challenged by major health issues, her strength, perseverance, demeanor, love, and helpfulness toward others, as well as her ever-growing faith, were constant examples for all who knew her. Born on March 13, 1940, in Silver City, New Mexico, she was the daughter of Gustave L. and Doris L. (Bradley) Neumann. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School in 1956, and married Larry Behrends on December 19, 1957 in Nebraska City. Charmian earned her Bachelor's of Arts (with Distinction) in Education from the University of Nebraska. For many years she taught high school English in Douglas, Nebraska, and then later taught Spanish at Beatrice and Diller-Odell Public Schools. Larry and Charmian began farming the family farm in 1970, and permanently moved to rural Wymore in 1992. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lincoln. One of Charmian's greatest dreams was to write a novel, which she started but did not complete. She enjoyed writing, reading, cooking, and taking care of her family. Survivors include her beloved husband Larry of almost 60 years; children, Mark Behrends and wife Gwendolyn of Lincoln, Laurie (Behrends) Cudney and husband Mike of Shawnee, Kansas, and Russell Behrends and wife Rebecca of Beatrice; grandchildren, Jami (Cudney) Klenda and husband Josh, Sean Cudney, Derek Cudney and wife Cate, Elizabeth (Behrends) Heikes and husband Brian, and Rebecca Behrends; great grandchildren, Clayton, Chase, and Ellis; brother, Collins Neumann; and numerous extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Courtney Neumann and Carelton Neuman; and sister, Anita Neumann. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Friday, June 30, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lincoln with Pastors Glenn Meyer and Calvin L'Heureux officiating. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery in Rural Wymore. The body will lie in state at the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore on Thursday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM with family greeting relatives and friends from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, and in state one hour prior to the service Friday. A memorial has been established to Trinity Lutheran Church with the funeral home in charge. Sign Charmian's online guest book at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore.