Lois Behm (nee Christiansen) passed away Tuesday, May 14th, 2024. Lois grew up in Beebeetown, to George and Mildred Christiansen. Growing up on a farm in the small community near relatives gave Lois an idyllic childhood, teaching her resourcefulness and a love of growing things. She moved to Missouri Valley, after her junior year in high school when “the brilliant people of Beebetown schools decided that girls did not need to graduate or have any commercial training because they were just going to get married and have children; so nearly every junior and senior girl, left that school system to go elsewhere.” She moved in with her grandmother, finished high school, and continued working, which she had been doing since she was sixteen.
She married Gerry Behm in 1958, in a small ceremony in Missouri Valley surrounded by family, friends, and several somewhat jealous ex-girlfriends. With moves to Iowa City, for Gerry’s schooling, and Cedar Rapids for work, it brought them the opportunity to move to Minnesota. She began working for American Hoist & Derrick in St. Paul, moving onto Farm Credit Services as Office Manager. When Lois and Gerry moved to Maplewood, Lois furthered her career by becoming the City Clerk of Maplewood, where she eventually retired after 16 years. Retirement did not stop her as she became involved in the Historical Society of Maplewood where they were able to save and move the Bruentrup Farm – one of the original farms in Maplewood. Lois also received the Maplewood Heritage award in 2016 from the city of Maplewood for her work with the Historical society and a commendation in 2019 from the Historical Society for her service and volunteerism in bettering the community.
Lois reveled in gardening, bringing to life her vision of an oasis in their backyard which rivaled Como Park Conservatory. Along with gardening, Lois and Gerry spent over a decade enjoying bowling, and coaching bowling to young children. She loved her crosswords, word games, keeping up on politics and staying in touch with friends. This took up all the spare time her grand and great-grandchildren did not, and if you had a spare minute she was happy to tell you about all the wonderful things they had done, and how adorable they were.
If there is one common thread to this amazing woman is that she did everything with a smile, lived through every challenge with a smile and optimism, and accepted everyone she met with an open heart.
Lois will be immensely missed by her surviving family of her sons Dennis and Alan; her daughters-in-law Barb and Becky; her (favorite) daughter Patty and her son-in-law Jerry; her grandchildren, Carrie (TJ), Scott (Suky), Angie (Chad), Carl (Shelby), Alex (Kelli), Kristi (Mike), and Aaron; her great-grandchildren, Josh, Andy, Adam, Emily, Maddie, Avery, Mason, Nora, Charlotte, Maverick, and soon-to-be great-granddaughter due in June; along with many, many relatives, and amazing friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, May 30, at CHURCH OF ST. PETER, 2600 Margaret Street, North St. Paul at 11 AM. Visitation one hour prior to Mass. Burial at Lakeview Cemetery, Mahtomedi. Memorials preferred to the Maplewood Historical Society. https://maplewoodmuseum.org/
