Gary R. Behrendt, Menasha, age 69, died Tuesday, August 31, 2021.  He was born in Wausau on January 3, 1952 to the late Norman and Marcella (Pietrowski) Behrendt.  In addition to being an avid Brewer and Packer fan, Gary loved nature and enjoyed fishing and being outdoors.  Dad was extremely funny and loved telling jokes and being silly.  He was loving and caring. He was a Maintenance Mechanic for most of his career; working long hours, enduring extreme temperatures in the foundry and putting himself in compromising positions to repair what was needed. A single father of 2 kids, Dad often worked a second job delivering newspapers or pizzas to provide for us making sure we never went without. Dad loved to drive and explore Wisconsin, navigating his route on paper maps, looking for birds especially Eagles and Hawks. Dad's favorite daily activities were reading the paper, talking about the weather, eating a cruller, buying lottery tickets and enjoying a good pizza, burger, or Moose Tracks ice cream. Dad was extremely proud of his 3 grandchildren Jack, Mallory and Hendrix who brought him great joy.  Dad will be extremely missed but his family is glad he is no longer suffering from the chronic pain he lived with for the past 20 years. Rest, Dad, Pops, Papa Gary!  We love and will miss you.

We didn't expect Dad's death or why he didn't reach out to us.   "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Psalm 3:5-6

I am beginning to see the plan God has had for your death. I pray HIS will continues.    "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.

Even though we are sad and mourning Dad's death, I am so happy he isn't suffering.  I can see God's hand as it brings Tim, Erin and I closer and united.  God said "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Gary is survived by his children:  Jenni (Lee) Sprague of Greer, SC; Timothy Behrendt of Neenah, WI; and Erin (Tim) Tennessen of Hilbert, WI; grandchildren:  Jack and Mallory Sprague and Hendrix Behrendt; loving companion of Patricia Plout, Fond du Lac, WI; and siblings:  Donna (Bob) Bree, Diane (Dave) Ellis, Richard Behrendt, and Susan Behrendt, all from Milwaukee area.  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In accordance with his wishes, a private family service was held.