Donald Behsman
Donald Behsman, 80, of Verndale passed away March 22, 2022, at the St. Cloud Hospital.
An open house celebrating his life will be held from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, at the Hewitt Community Center. The Time of Prayer and Remembrance will begin at 3:00 p.m. led by Pastor Eric Clapp.
Donald Paul Behsman was born March 1, 1942, to Paul and Eileen (Yess) Behsman in Waseca. Don attended Waseca Central High School and graduated in 1960. He enlisted with the U.S. Navy and was stationed in New London, Connecticut. He was an engine man on a minesweeper during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1964.
While Don was in the service, he married Tessa and they welcomed three children, Marty, Kris and Holly. They returned to Waseca where Don worked as a diesel mechanic for a few years and then they moved back to Massachusetts to be closer to Tessa’s family. Don worked at a fish market on the coast. After returning to Minnesota, he began working for various trucking companies, most recently for Tony’s Transfer, traveling across the country.
Donald married Louise Wiltscheck (née Bebensee) December 7, 1989 and welcomed her four children into his life. In 1990, they purchased a farm in rural Aldrich, where they built their retirement home. As an over-the-road truck driver for most of his life, he transported anything and everything, including some of the granite pieces for the 9/11 Memorial in New York.
Driving, farming, hunting and fishing trips with his brother and sister-in-law were some of Don’s passions. He loved visiting with friends, family, neighbors and driving around the countryside. He was well-known, not only in the Amish community, but also around town as someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed.
Donald is survived by and will be dearly missed by two sons, Marty (Julie) of FL and Kris (Louisa) of MA; one daughter, Holly of MO; two step-sons, Robert (Cathy) White of OK and Bill (Sue) White of Hewitt; two step-daughters, Sandy White of CO and Debra (John) Kaiser of Staples; one brother, John (Joanie) Behsman of Grey Eagle; one sister, MaryAnn Mundt of Owatonna; 20 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and his two beloved cats, Charcoal and Mountain Lion.
Don is preceded in death by his wife, Louise (2016); parents; one brother, Jim Behsman and an infant great-grandson.
Arrangements are with the Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Wadena (www.SchullerFamilyFH.com).
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