Jeffry M. Behm

Jeffry Michael Behm passed peacefully at home November 16, 2023. On Monday, November 27, 2023, Confession will be held at 4-8:00 p.m. and the Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel will be held at 4:15 p.m. followed by Visitation until 8:00 p.m. at the church. Parish Vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the church. On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, Confession will begin at 9:00 a.m. and a Rosary will take place at 9:45 a.m. followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. all at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will follow the service in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, Jeff requested that donations be sent to one of two organizations. Compete for a Cure, Inc. helps other families with a loved one diagnosed with Glioblastoma by giving them financial assistance. You may reach them at competeforacure1@gmail.com or send checks to 1102 Ridge Road, Denison, Iowa 51442. Jeff was also grateful for the St. Joseph Education Society of the Diocese of Sioux City for supporting Fr. Patrick in his priestly formation. This society supports education for seminarians, permanent deacons, and priests in the diocese. Gifts can be sent to Diocese of Sioux City; Box 3379; Sioux City, IA 51102-3379 or online at www.scdiocese.org/giving. Jeffry Michael Behm was born June 18, 1956, the third child of Donald and Jean (McCrickard) Behm and baptized at St. Patrick’s parish, Missouri Valley, IA. Jeff grew up in Storm Lake, graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1974 where he excelled at baseball and was a successful pitcher on the varsity baseball team. On December 20, 1980, Jeff married Julia Kitson from Janesville, WI. God blessed them with two sons, Patrick Michael and Thomas Jeffry, whom they faithfully raised to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Jeff loved spending time with his family and sought ways to protect, provide and serve them. Holiday gatherings with family were always a highlight for Jeff, who was always jovial and laughing, warm and welcoming, quick with a quip or joke. Jeff spent most of his working years as a department manager with Hy-Vee Food Stores in Fort Dodge, IA; Harlan, IA; Columbus, NE before finally returning to Storm Lake in 1989. In 2009 Jeff was awarded Hy-Vee’s Legendary Customer Service Award, the highest honor Hy-Vee bestows on an employee. He demonstrated the midwest hard work ethic and took Hy-Vee’s motto of a “helpful smile in every aisle” quite literally, always striving to be friendly and courteous to all. He was a listening ear to customers, giving hugs and encouragement to so many that he referred to as, “My friend,” because you were his friend. To many youth experiencing their first job, Jeff taught hard work, honesty, responsibility, the importance of completing the task at hand, and commitment to the employer. Jeff was an avid fan of the Oklahoma Sooners and would frequently try to structure his fall Saturdays around their football games. Among his favorite Sooner memories were the 1971 Thanksgiving Day “Game of the Century” where Nebraska beat their archrival Oklahoma in the final moments of the game, the team’s national championship in the year 2000, and traveling to Norman for the 50th Anniversary of Oklahoma-Nebraska Game of the Century in 2021 with Julie and Pat. Jeff cherished the quiet time he could spend at home with Julie, Pat, and Tom. Whether it was playing catch in the backyard with the boys, taking the dogs for a walk, or just sitting on the deck enjoying a cold Pepsi, Jeff was happy and content at home. In a world that prides itself on being ever busier, Jeff found comfort in the simple things of life–a bike ride, going for a walk, humming a silly song, keeping his yard tidy or simply watching the sun rise as he gazed across the backyard. Jeff will be remembered as a friendly, hard-working Hy-Vee employee, as an Oklahoma fan, as a family man, and everyone's friend. But most importantly, over and above everything else, Jeff’s family hopes he will be remembered as a man of God, a disciple of our Lord. He was committed to daily prayer, often praying as he knelt to stock shelves at Hy-Vee. Sunday Mass was central to his life and he never missed a Sunday or Holy Day, even while traveling. He was especially devoted to the Rosary, the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy, and the Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel. Jeff frequently told everyone he met that he “just wanted to make it to heaven.” Jeff is survived by his wife of nearly 43 years, Julia (Kitson) Behm; sons: Fr. Patrick Behm of Carroll; Thomas (Marcia) Behm of Centennial, CO; siblings: Pam Sutton (Ted Hessleguesser) of Omaha, NE; Rod (Judy) Behm of Carroll; Tracy (Ed) Bredvick of Storm Lake; Mike (Norma) Behm of Storm Lake; father-in-law: Raymond Kitson; brother-in-law: Stan (Robyn) Kitson; brother-in-law: Doug (Phoebe) Kitson; sister-in-law: Marjie (Dave) Trummel; brother-in-law: Don (Marte) Kitson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents: Donald and Jean Behm; mother-in-law: Jeanne Anne Kitson; brother-in-law: Randy Sutton; and sister-in-law: Janet Kitson. The family extends appreciation for the support, loving care and attention given by Cherokee Regional Medical Center Home Health and Hospice. “God bless you, my friend!”

Jeffry M. Behm

June 18, 1956 - November 16, 2023