Vernon Frank Behm

Vernon Frank Behm, age 78 of Stanwood, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 22, 2016 at home after a two year battle with cancer. Vern was born March 18, 1938 to Frank and Alice (Hindal) Behm in Spring Lake. He graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1956 and went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army. Vernon was the loving husband of Mary Riley, whom he married on September 18, 1959 in Grand Haven. Vern lived in Grand Haven and DeTour Village for most of his life. He was a man who could fix anything and enjoyed tinkering in his garage. Vern lived in the Upper Peninsula for 30+ years and loved to be on the water with his boats, especially his tugboat “Daisy”. Vern’s love for the water began at the age of 13, when he bought his first race boat and continued as a driver for Felix’s Water Thrill Show. Vern is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary; daughters, Jodi (Tim) Bondy of North Salem, IN, and Joyce (Ron) Tiles of Grand Haven; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Marge Kane of Muskegon, Ronald (Dawn) Behm of Grand Haven, Nancy Hall of Grand Haven; in-laws, Locy (JoAnne) Riley of Ferry, and Nancy Wait of Spring Lake. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ellen Sorensen and Edith Bolthouse. Funeral services for Vern will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at Klaassen Family Funeral Home with Pastor Stephen Abbott officiating. Full Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28.  Visitation will take place from 5- 7 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 and one hour prior to the service at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to ACS Hope Lodge – Grand Rapids or Spectrum Hospice. Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign Vern’s online guest book. Arrangements by Klaassen Family Funeral Home.