Orla Frederick “Fred” Behrens, Jr., 95, passed away March 8, 2023, at his home in Great Bend. He was born on Aug. 20, 1927, in Grant County, Okla., to Orla Frederick Behrens, Sr., and Mae Ruth (Aebi) Behrens. He married Dorothy B. Ratliff on Sept. 17, 1950, in Council Grove, Kan. She died on Dec. 9, 2017.

A long time Great bend resident, Fred was a truck driver for R.C. Williams Trucking. He was a member of First Christian Church, American Legion Post #180, and was a WW II veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed fishing, rock collecting, and making his own fine stone jewelry. 

Survivors include, his son, Robert “Bob” Behrens and his wife Ruth of Great Bend; five grandchildren, Jason Behrens, Jennifer Cauley, Melissa Serrien (Greg), Michael Behrens and Brian Behrens; and six grandchildren, Sage, Sienna and Slade Cauley and Zachary, Sophie and Jeffrey Serrien. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy; his son and daughter-in-law, Ross and Karen Behrens; a brother, James Behrens and an infant brother, Robert Behrens.

Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m., Friday, March 10, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 11, 2023, at First Christian Church, with Pastor Josh Leu presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery, with Military Rites conducted by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Memorials have been designated to First Christian Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS.  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 10, 2023