Richard H. "Dick" Behm's Obituary
Richard H. “Dick” Behm, age 85, of Grand Haven passed away suddenly Friday, October 16, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 3, 1930, in Grand Haven, to Henry and Dorothy (Klemke) Behm, and he married Corrine Stevenson in Monroe, MI in 1951, she preceded him in death in 1998. He then married Marguerite Selgert on November 17, 2010.
At the age of 16 he began a career of working on boats with the Army Corps of Engineers. Beginning as a cabin boy on the GENERAL MEAD. In 1983 after 38 years at sea he retired as Captain of the HAINS. His government career included two years in the military service, with one year in Korea seeing combat as an infantryman with the 3rd Division. After retirement from the government Capt. Behm completed his High School education graduating in 1988, he then attended the Muskegon College of Business. At that time he also became employed with Grand Valley State University as Captain on the Research Vessel D.J. ANGUS which position he held until June 2001.
Dick was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, and served there as a trustee and a recorder. He was a member of the Grand Haven Air Park Board and Harbor Board serving as Chairman for 12 years. He was also an active member of the 1223 Locomotive Restoration Committee, and belonged to the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post # 28, and Central Park Players. His hobbies included gardening, model railroading, boat building, golf, and photography, his favorite subjects being his grandchildren, Garret and Macy.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Marguerite Behm of Grand Haven; three daughters: Cathy (Ernie) Diaz of West Olive, Sue (Troy) Young of Grand Haven, and Linda Behm of Grand Haven; his son, Steven Behm of Tyngsboro, MA; two grandchildren, Garret and Macy; his step-son, William (Lori) Selgert of Spring Lake; and two brothers, Kenneth (Connie) Behm of Grand Haven, and Edwin Behm of Oro Valley, AZ.
The funeral service for Dick will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Dieter Haupt officiating. Friends may meet the family from 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, October 19, 2015, at the VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven. Memorial contributions to St. John’s Lutheran Church God’s Pantry are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com
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