Richard Albert Behm

Dick Behm passed away early the morning of March 6 following an honorable battle with dementia. He never once complained but accepted the diagnosis, as he understood this was part of God's plan.

He was born to Albert and Ann Behm in the fall of 1945, the third of four children. He graduated from Oshkosh West High School in 1963. Throughout his life, he was always with his brothers-from playing as little kids to being a member of the band Terry and the Pirates with his two brothers, Terry and Mike, and friends Bob Loos and Tom Wood, to playing cribbage and doing Bible study in his later years.

Following high school, in 1965, he began his 44-year career at Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac, WI. He married Vicki Schoonover on March 25, 1967. They lived in Poygan, WI, and had four children: Richard, Rebecca, Rob, and Greg. He served in the Wisconsin National Guard and raised his family as a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Omro. He was extremely dedicated-especially to God, his children, and his family. While he enjoyed cars, racing, sports, fishing, volleyball, and playing cribbage, none of it mattered unless it was with his family.

Dick especially loved his grandchildren and often travelled to spend time at each of his children's homes to help with the grands. He helped with home projects, built gardens, pruned trees, and was always playing with the kids. He was famous for his "under ducks" and tickles. To all others, he was known for his big hugs, huge smile, and saying, "God bless you."

The only thing Dad Behm would want you to remember him by is his faith in Jesus Christ. He would want you to be happy for him-that he is no longer in this earthly battle, but free in the loving arms of his Creator and King.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Albert H. and Anna M. Behm; his father-in-law, Bill Schoonover; his mother-in-law, Hazel Schoonover; his sisters-in-law, Betty Schoonover and Jodie Schoonover; his brother-in-law, Jim Schoonover; his nephew, Mark Kratz; and his niece, Kris (Kratz) Heidger.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki; his siblings, Terry (Pat), Mike (Karen), and Cheryl (Dale) Bratz; his children, Richard (Carol), Rebecca (Jeff) Nelson, Robert (Katie), and Greg (Gina); his grandchildren, Mollie (Taylor) Camp, Emma (Noah) Duncan, Victoria, Cynthia, Jacob, Hannah, Jack, Luke, Sarah, Kelly, Hazel, and Carmel; and his great-grandchildren, Micah, Moses, and Grace.

We would also like to thank the amazing people at the Courtyard and Gabriel's Villa who cared for Dad during his final years. Not only did they care for him physically, but they loved him well and treated him like family. What a gift that was to our family when we couldn't be there to care for him. We will never forget you.

Services will be held April 30th at Grace Lutheran Church, located at 913 Nebraska Street in Oshkosh, WI with visitation starting at 12:00 noon and the funeral service to be held at 1:30pm. There will be a luncheon following the service along with an opportunity to share stories and celebrate dad's victory.