Elvera Behlen

Elvera Gertrude Johanna Harms Behlen was born on October 28, 1919, at Chanhassen to Wilbert and Mary (Wirtz) Jorissen. She was baptized on November 14, 1919, at St. Herbert's Church in Chanhassen and confirmed on February 24, 1952, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton. She attended school through the eighth grade at St. Hubert's School and graduated from Eden Prairie High School.On June 11, 1941 she married Gilbert Herman Harms at Chanhassen. Gilbert died on April 7, 1978. On December 29, 1985 she married John Behlen and John died on June 7, 2005. Elvera worked as a homemaker most of her life. She worked 18 years in the school cafeteria; starting at Appleton High School and finishing at the Appleton Elementary School. In her younger years there was almost always a quilt set up in the sewing room. It was hard for her to pass up a fabric store. In her years many quilts were quilted and tied. One of her loves was tying quilts in the church basement which were then sent to missions all over the world. As the years passed her hands and fingers kept her from stitching quilts. She was one of the best cooks of any wild game that her husband and sons brought home. Many delicious meals were served on a Sunday to family, relatives, and friends that would come to hunt for the weekend. Her ginger cookies and doughnuts were the best. She will be remember for her beautiful smile, her loving and caring personality; but mostly for her love of her God and church. She was the best grandma and great-grandma ever. Elvera was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was active with the Guild, the Ladies Aid, taught Sunday School, Bible school and Wednesday school. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels for several years.Elvera died on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at Appleton Area Health Services. She had attained 89 years, 5 months, and 24 days of age.She is survived by three children: Joyce Bertness of Indiana, PA, Jerome "Jerry" (Kris) Harms of Willow, AK, and Thomas (Marva) Harms of Pengillly, MN; four children from her second marriage: Mary Aasland of Appleton, Mark (Linda) Behlen of Minneapolis; Katherine (David) Mennicke of St. Paul; and Peter (Amie) Behlen of Appleton; eight grandchildren: Kristine (William) Bertness, Steven (Darci) Bertness, Michael (Denise) Bertness, Kelly Nelson, Julie (Brian) Norstedt, Kari (Jeremiah) Graika, Samuel Harms (fiancé Sara), and Sarah (Dean) Master; nine grandchildren from her second marriage: Christopher Aasland, Carrie (Jason) Bowers, Anna (Chris) Clifford, Sara (Diarmud) Kennedy, Donald Behlen, Nate Behlen, Sussana Mennicke, Mary Lynn Mennicke, and Christine Mennicke; 23 great-grandchildren: Clara, Benjamin, Steven, Emery, Michael, Nathan, Austin, Zach, Bekah, Matthew, Jacob, Josh, Allie, Emma Myka, Evan, Collin, Savanna, Morgan, Julia, Connor, Daniel, and Keegan; sister, Myrtle Trick, of Norwood; sister-in-law, Clarice McKimm, of Hutchinson; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands Gilbert and John; son, Paul Harms; granddaughers Tammy Jo Bertness and Anne Elizabeth Aasland; brother, Wilbert "Red" Jorissen; and sisters: Lorraine Roeser and Gladys Melchoir.

Elvera Behlen

October 28, 1919 - April 22, 2009

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Elvera Behlen

October 28, 1919 - April 22, 2009

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