Cover photo for Wallace Behm's Obituary
Wallace Behm Profile Photo
1926 Wallace 2006

Wallace Behm

July 30, 1926 — September 25, 2006

Wallace George Behm was born in Hudson, Wisconsin on July 30, 1926, to George and Irene (Kahmeyer) Behm. His two brothers (Art and Giggs) and three sisters (Gert, Edith, and Della) welcomed him as the baby of the family by seven years.



Wally attended Hudson public schools where he played the tuba and was the decoy on the high school football team. Graduating in 1944, he attended one quarter at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, until he was drafted into the Army and served until August, 1946.



Kay and Wally met in high school at a local roller skating rink. They dated throughout his time in the Army and were married on September 2, 1949.



Wally attended Hamline University and received his B.A. in biology and German. His first job was teaching these subjects in Fulda, Minnesota. Two years into teaching, he was asked to become principal of the high school. In 1956, he received his Masters degree from the University of Minnesota so he could legitimately serve as high school principal.



Wally was a wonderful father. His gift to his children was his time - teaching them to fish, to read, to enjoy nature, and to give back to the community.



The family moved to Morris in 1963 when Wally accepted the job of high school principal. He showed love for students by being tough and fair. "Mr. Behm" has been lovingly roasted at a number of class reunions.



The American Red Cross, Minnesota State High School League, Area Agency on Aging, Morris Police Commission are all recipients of his time, talents, and humor.



Holidays and his outdoor decorations are infamous. How many kids (and adults) throughout the region waited to see what new piece would be added to the display! This man who teased many and played multiple practical jokes also showed a tender side as he tended his fish and plants.



Wally will be missed by many, especially his four grandsons for whom he finally bought the red speed boat.



Wally died on Monday, September 25, 2006 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 80 years.



He is survived by his wife Kay Behm of Morris; one daughter: Jo Behm (Darrell) Blomquist of Falcon Heights; one son: Mike (Connie) Behm of Loveland, CO; 4 grandchildren; one brother: Gerhard Behm of White Bear Lake and one sister: Gertrude Quarberg of St. Paul. He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law: Clara Finnegan and father-in-law: James Finnegan; one brother: Arthur Behm and two sisters: Adella Krech and Edith Swanson.



Pallbearers for the service are Wally's grandsons: Ryan Behm, Eric Blomquist, Scott Behm and David Blomquist. Honorary pallbearers are all former and current faculty and staff at MAHS. Eric Blomquist will serve as pianist for the service with Dorothy Vick and John Kleinwolterink providing special music. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.



In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Stevens County Historical Society or the Army National Guard Soldiers Morale Fund.


To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wallace Behm, please visit our flower store.

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