Leroy R. Behrendt

LeRoy R. Behrendt 75, Wausau, died Saturday, May 22, 2010 at Kennedy Park Medical and Rehabiliation Center, Weston, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was born June 1, 1934 in Athens, son of the late Henry and Elsie (Bruesewitz) Behrendt. On January 18, 1956, he married Anita Plautz at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. She survives. LeRoy served his country for 20 years as a veteran of the United States Navy, retiring as a Senior Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic. He then worked as a kitchen designer and salesman for Delisle Company for 15 years. Following his retirement, he enjoyed driving school bus for the Wausau Area School District for nine years. LeRoy was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Burns Post #388, Wausau and a member of the Reserve Enlisted Association. He was a volunteer and on the Board of Directors for the Greater Wausau Christian Services and participated as a Stevens Care Visitor. LeRoy also spent time volunteering for the Hospice Program. Among his many interests, he enjoyed puzzles, playing cards, playing ping pong, gardening and was an avid reader. LeRoy will also be remembered for giving "whisker rubs" to his children and grandchildren. Survivors include, his wife of 54 years, Anita Behrendt, Wausau; two daughters, Brenda (Jeff) Sherwood, Houston, Tex. and Barbara (Jeff) Steppe, Scandia, Minn.; one son, Greg Behrendt, Wausau; seven grandchildren, Woody (Misty) Sherwood, Everett, Wash., Captain Christopher (Allyson) Sherwood U.S. Army, Schweinfurt, Germany, David Sherwood, Houston, Tex., Sarah (Aaron) Novak, Humble, Tex., and Alec, Tessa and Lara Lueddecke, Scandia, Minn.; two great grandchildren, Kaiya Sherwood and Sarai Novak; and one sister, Lucile (Lester) Krienke, Colorado Springs, Colo. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Debra Lynn Behrendt; one granddaughter, Kayla Lueddecke; and one brother, Norman Behrendt. Funeral services will be at Noon Thursday, May 27, 2010 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Wausau. Rev. John Meachen will officiate. Friends may call Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Full military honors will be conducted by the VFW Burns Post #388, Wausau. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer's Association. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Brian Smith, the staff at Kennedy Park and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for all your care and support given to LeRoy and his family. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com