Preceded in death by Walter W. Behrens and Marie K. Behrens. He is survived by his spouse, Charlotte ‘Margo’ Behrens. They were blessed with 38 wonderful years together. He is survived by his son Todd (Hailey) Behrens of TN., daughter Kimm Winn of AZ., son Jack (ADA) Saffell of Warsaw, Poland, daughter Linda (Donald) Bennett of AR., his uncle Jerry (Marilyn) Kruse of Long Beach, CA., 11 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Don was born on July 7, 1944 in Long Beach, CA where he was raised. He attended schools in Long Beach, graduating from Wilson High School. He was exceptionally close to his Uncle Jerry. He loved spending time with Uncle Jerry who helped him to play football in high school and often took him out on boats deep sea fishing which he loved. After high school, Don was a member of the Marine Corps Reserves for 6 years, earning the rank of Seargent – E5. During this time he earned his A.A. from Long Beach Community College. Upon graduation, Don became a member of the Long Beach Police Dept. He worked two walking beats, The Pike and Belmont Shore, before working inside the station as a result of being hit by a stolen car in 1989. He retired in 1990 after 25 years of service. He loved his job, but more so the men and women he worked with. During his tenure on the police department Don worked 25 years as a part-time security officer in order to take his family on vacations to Big Bear, CA, Mexico, and various other places.
Don loved his whole family, but especially his children and was involved with them as much as possible. Don and Margo were married in 1987 and never looked back. Upon retirement we bought a 26-acre Hay Farm in 1991 in Oregon. We then moved to Gardnerville, NV in 1999. We walked a lot. We traveled, visiting Mexico, France, Italy, Spain, the Island of Crete, and many trips to Poland.
Don loved it here, meeting many great people like Mike and Dina Marvel who did so much for both of us. We loved them both and still do. He loved the casinos at Carson Valley Inn and Sharkey’s. All the people were special to him.
Don loved laughing and socializing with everyone he encountered. He will always be with us all, and Don will be forever in my heart and soul. There are not enough words to express how much Don is loved.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 21st, 2023 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm at the Carson Valley Inn. This will be a time to share our favorite memories, laugh, and celebrate what a truly wonderful man Don was to us all.