BEHM, Donald James

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Sunday, March 14, 2010 Donald James Behm passed away March 11, 2010 in Lake Havasu City at the age of 74. He was born to Lawrence and Helen (Stoeber) Behm on June 30, 1935, in Mason City, Iowa. Donald was very proud to serve his country under the direction of the U.S. Army. He married his best friend, Shirley Venechuk, on Jan. 22, 1956. He gave up the farming life and moved from Iowa to Cypress, Calif., in 1963. He worked as an electronics technician for Garrett Air Research in Torrance, Calif. After 29 years of service, it was time to retire. Donald and his wife spent their retirement together traveling during the summers and spending time walking a lot of the Oregon Trail. He lived two doors down from Tiger Woods and followed him faithfully through his golfing career. Donald leaves behind his beloved wife of 54 years, Shirley Behm, of Lake Havasu City; daughter, Deborah McKelvey and her husband Rick, of Virgin, Utah; brother, John Behm, of Mason City, Iowa; two granddaughters, Sarah and Stacy McKelvey, of Denver, Colo.; and four nephews, John, Tim, Chris and Scott Behm, all of Mason City, Iowa. Graveside services will be Monday, 10 a.m. at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens. Pastor Dale Ray will offer words of comfort and inspiration. Military honors will be conducted by the VFW Post 9401 and American Legion Post 81. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.