Martin “Bear” T. Behrendsen, 75, of Mansfield, passed away Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 following a brief illness.
Martin was born Sept. 17, 1939 in Huron County and was the son of the late Wilbert B. and Evlane J. (Britton) Behrendsen. In his early teens, he was an Expert Rifleman. Martin was a 1958 graduate of Greenwich High School. He retired from Mansfield Police Department in 1992 after 27 ½ years of service. Martin also had dump trucks known as Martin Trucking. He graded and watered Mansfield Raceway when it was still a dirt track. After retirement, he worked at Milark Industries, Moritz Concrete, and was co-owner of Behr Metal, LLC. with his son, Keith Behrendsen.
He married Dolores Mitchell Behrendsen on October 11, 1958. Martin enjoyed NASCAR Racing, local dirt track racing, fishing, deer hunting, spending time at his winter home in St. Petersburg, Florida, and making and selling his own fishing lures. He never met a stranger. He was a member of High 12 and was the past Master of Frank Marquis Lodge #690 Free and Accepted Masons 1987.
Martin is survived by three daughters and one son, Miriam (Alan) Kisling of Bellville, Laurie (Bret) Weekley of Perrysville, Annette Behrendsen, and Keith (Janet) Behrendsen, both of Mansfield; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bill (Carol) Behrendsen of Texas and Joe (Ruth) Behrendsen of Greenwich; and the second love of his life, Nellie Ritchey.
Along with his parents, Bear was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Behrendsen; son, Kirk M. Behrendsen; and daughter, Angela S. Behrendsen.
Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014 at Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, LTD., 1106 Park Avenue East (St. Rt. 430E), Mansfield, with Masonic services at 6:00 p.m. by the Venus Lodge 152. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 2014 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Edwards Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 3229 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229 or to the American Diabetes Association, 1815 W. Market Street, Suite 108, Akron, OH 44313.
Online condolences may be made at www.wernergompf.com
