Betty Behlen

Betty Lou Behlen went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at her home in Columbus, Nebraska. Betty was born on November 17, 1929 to Jesse and Clara (Madura) Beierle. She attended Columbus Public Schools and graduated from Kramer High 1947. Two years later, on Feb 15, 1949 she married Gilbert (Gib) Janssen. They lived and farmed north of Platte Center, had four children and started a business, Triple F Feeds that grew into a family corporation, Janssen Enterprises. Betty was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school, Bible School and attended Ladies Aid. She was actively involved in the community participating in Extension Clubs, American Legion Auxiliary, and with the family business working alongside her husband, Gib while raising her family. In 1979, after the passing of Gib and having raised her children into adulthood, Betty returned to the workforce, keeping books at the Elks Country Club.

On November 7, 1981 she married Edwin Behlen. Bettys children fondly referred to him as the man our dad would have chosen for our mom. Living near Platte Center, the couple started the E & B Woodworking business. After moving to Columbus they spent their winters as snow birds in Mesa, Arizona. The rest of the year they spent as doting grand and great-grand parents to their children and step-children.

Betty is survived by her children: Son, Daniel Janssen, Cedar Hill, Texas; Daughters: Darla (Tom) Neemeyer, Platte Center; Nancy (Tim) Neemeyer, Columbus; Brenda (Mike) Bieck, Platte Center; Eight Grandchildren, 18 Great-grandchildren; Sisters, Shirley Peterson and Marge Miller, both of Oregon; Brother: Donald of Columbus; Step-Son, Dennis Behlen, Columbus; Step-Daughter, Barb Raymer, Monroe; Six Step-grandchildren and 10 Step-great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, one brother, Jack, and one step-great-grandson.