Arthur Henry Behm

Arthur Henry Behm age 80, Niagara, ND, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, July 6, 2012, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, with his family by his side.

Art was born to John and Ella Behm on March 25, 1932, in rural Niagara. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Niagara, where he was a lifelong, dedicated member.

Art attended Niagara Country School. He later served in the US Army in France for two years. Art married Phyllis Surface on April 1, 1953. They lived on the homestead where they raised four children and farmed and where they have resided ever since.

Art was a member of the Larimore American Legion, served on the board of the McCanna Elevator, and served on the school board of Unity of Petersburg for 12 years. He was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church where he served as church elder and held many other positions in the church.

Art was elected to the North Dakota Legislature in 2006 and served for four years as a District 19 Senator. Art was a true believer in fairness and was especially passionate about doing the right thing and sticking up for those who really deserved it.

Art enjoyed woodworking and carpentry work and often volunteered his time and talents to help family and friends with projects in their homes. He was a wonderful singer and sang in the St. Andrew's Quartet as well as at many weddings. He also played the fiddle and banjo and spent many hours entertaining residents at various nursing homes around the vicinity with his brother, Ed Behm.

Art is survived by his wife of 59 years, Phyllis; son Gary (Deb) Behm, Niagara, son-in-law Chuck Raney, Texas, son Randy Behm, Grand Forks, daughter Brenda (Curt) Holmstrom, Arthur, ND, 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, one brother, four sisters, and many nieces and nephews.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Audrey, two brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Niagara at 10:30 A.M.

Visitation will be held at Bakke Funeral Home on Monday evening beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to the time of the service.

Interment will be at St. Andrew Lutheran Cemetery, Niagara.

BAKKE FUNERAL HOME, LARIMORE, ND
Online guestbook: www.bakkefuneralhomes.com