Duane Behrens

Duane Behrens, 86, of Unionville, Missouri, passed away at the Putnam County Memorial Hospital in Unionville on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

Clifford Duane Behrens was born in Alden, Iowa, on September 21, 1934, the son of Clifford B. and Velma J. (Blankenship) Behrens, who preceded him in death.  He graduated from Williams High School in Williams, Iowa, in 1953.  Duane married Shirla Rae Mardick at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, on December 17, 1955, and she preceded him in death on November 30, 2004. Duane and Shirla began married life in Alden, Iowa, and then lived in Iowa Falls, Iowa; Boulder, Colorado; Kirksville, Missouri; and in Unionville since 1976.  Duane worked as a carpenter in construction for other companies but owned and operated Behrens Construction for a number of years.  He built commercial and residential structures as well as remodel jobs.

Duane was always active in his community.  He was a charter member of the Unionville Lions Club as well as serving on the Unionville Park Board and Special Road District.  He attended the Unionville United Methodist Church.  He was an avid sports fan who faithfully followed all the sports at Putnam County High School.  He served as Grand Marshal for the Homecoming parade and seldom missed any sporting events.  Duane loved to coon hunt and fish, but his greatest love was reserved for his family.  Duane had an easy-going personality and was meticulous in his work.  He had a ready smile and was pleasant to all he met.

Duane his survived by his five children: Randy (Shelly) Behrens of Independence, Missouri; Rhonda (John) McKenzie of Brookfield, Missouri; Rita (Kenny) Ingersoll of Unionville, Missouri; Rob (Brandi Trenter) Behrens of Unionville, Missouri; and Rachelle (Nick) Peyton of Helena, Alabama.  Duane is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Eric (Joni) Behrens, Lacey (Billy) Gordy, Tyler Behrens, Nic (Kelli) Behrens, Callie (Chris) Coram, Cassie (Austin Grinter) McKenzie, Kris (Ashley) Ingersoll, Megan (Garrett) Roof, Brendan Behrens, Tadem Richardson, Hannah (Thomas) Fairchild, Trevor (Liz High) Peyton, Ellie Peyton, and Jack Peyton.  Fifteen great grandchildren survive as well as two brothers, Vernon Behrens of Walnut, California, and Gene (Lois) Behrens, of Albia, Iowa.

Funeral services for Duane Behrens will be at Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 22, 2021, with visitation from 9:30 until 11:00 the same day as the service.  Interment will be at the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested and checks should be made to the Putnam County Booster Club or the Unionville Lions Club and may be entrusted with Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27 ^th , Unionville, MO 63565.