George Behrends

George Behrends, 84, of Wiota, Iowa, died Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Cass Health in Atlantic, Iowa, surrounded by family.

George William Behrends was born September 29, 1941, to Herman Bernard and Blanche Greta (Gerlock) Behrends at the family farm just east of Wiota. He grew up on that farm with his two siblings, Bruce and Delores, and enjoyed all of the pleasure that comes with being connected to land and his family. George quickly realized the value in following in his father’s footsteps. At an early age he established a strong work ethic that allowed him to remain innovative and resilient.

After graduating from Wiota Consolidated Schools in 1959, he went into the Army Reserves while participating in the Farm Op program at Iowa State. One night he attended an Atlantic High School football game where he met Dianne DeVoss. They would marry on July 12, 1963 and move to the family homestead. Together they would have four children and build a successful farming operation in Cass County.

George loved life. When he wasn’t fixing something, he was an avid golfer, fisherman, card and domino player, cyclist and boating enthusiast. He liked to hang out with his buddies, drinking an early cup of coffee in Wiota, Anita or Norway Center. Early on he carved out time to take the family to numerous lakes for fishing and water skiing. Those trips resulted in cherished time together and memories for the family. He would later spend time traveling with Dianne and his sister Delores and her husband Ray, wintering in Texas and hanging out with the local “Romeo” club.

He was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church of Wiota where he held various offices, served as 4-H leader, and was a member of Atlantic JayCees, Beef Producers, Pork Producers, Farm Bureau, Crestwood Hills Golf Course, Federal Land Bank Board, Extension Council and numerous other positions of service to others.

George was a man of strong faith and his trust in our Savior was the reason you could always find a smile on his face. He brought up his children in faith and was a great example to all who encountered him.

George is survived by his wife, Dianne (DeVoss) Behrends; four children, Curt (Michelle) Behrends, Dale (Laurie) Behrends, Denise Behrends, and Paula (Jon) Bequette; seven grandchildren, Megan (Ross) Cady, Nathan (Ashley) Behrends, Brinnae Behrends, Austin (Kylie) Behrends, Brooklyn Behrends, Zachary (Amanda) Bequette and Kelsey (Dominic) Biffignani; two great-grandchildren, Ruth and Eloise; sister, Delores (Ray) Christensen; in-laws, Marilyn Behrends, Ed DeVoss, Gary DeVoss, and Lindy Klinge; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Blanche (Gerlock) Behrends; step-mother, Laverne Behrends; brother, Bruce Behrends; in-laws, Vyrle and Naomi DeVoss; and sisters-in-law, Lana and Nadine DeVoss.

Visitation with family present will be from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Monday, January 19th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 20th at First Lutheran Church, south of Wiota. Pastor Mike Bodkins will preside over the services. Interment will be held in the First Lutheran Cemetery. The family invites you to join them for lunch in the fellowship hall.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for George’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.