Lawrence “Lorny” Behm, age 83, of Valley City, ND, died Friday, June 14th at his residence surrounded by his loving family under Hospice of Red River Valley Care. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 24th at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Valley City. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 23rd from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Church. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM Sunday evening. Interment will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery near Valley City. A livestream of Lorny’s service and an online guestbook will be available at www.lerudmathias.com.
Lorny was born to Adolph and Laura Behm on July 20, 1940, in Valley City, ND. He was raised on a farm northeast of Fingal, ND and attended school in Fingal, graduating in 1958. After high school, he attended college at NDSSS in Wahpeton, ND. He married the love of his life, Jeralyn Olson, on October 25th, 1963. Together they lived a beautiful 58 years. They raised 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Lorny lived for his family. Lorny started his life long career of trucking as an over the road driver. He then worked for H.A. Beyer & Son hauling ready mix. Lorny then began his career with Beyers Cement Transport until it later became Lafarge, Inc. He was the terminal manager for Beyers Cement/Lafarge for over 40 years, but that did not stop him from getting in the truck and driving. Even after he retired from Lafarge, he continued to drive for them until he was 78. He finished his trucking career driving for Strata Corp and finally decided to enjoy retirement. Lorny served on the Kenworth board for the Motor Carriers Association. During his time on the board, he and Jeri attended many conventions across the country and made many friends in the business. Lorny was an avid Eagles member for over 60 years. He served as president on the local and state levels. He was a member of the Ritual Team and judged this competition for years. Lorny had a national appointment for judging the Eagles Ritual teams, which he took great pride in! If he wasn’t in a truck you could find him and Jeri at an Eagles club somewhere. They traveled all over the country for various Eagles conventions. He enjoyed traveling to all of the grandkids sports and activities. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. Lorny and Jeri rarely missed an event or activity, and if they did you can bet there was good reason for it. In his later years Lorny enjoyed visiting with his friends, helping anyone and everyone in any way he could, and just relaxing around the house with his cat, Miley. He loved that darn cat and didn’t miss a chance to talk about her. Lorny also treasured his time with his special caregiver and friend, Kaley.
Lorny is survived by his children: Larry (Aneica) Behm of Beulah, ND, Laura (Steve) VanAsperen of Ypsilanti, ND and Lynette (Russ) Stephens of Valley City, ND; his grandchildren: Lindsey (Matt) Mitzel, Joseph (Lacey) Worrel, Nicole (Justin Bullinger) Behm, Garrett VanAsperen, Logan (Maci) Behm, Nate Rodriguez, and Blake Stephens; his great grandchildren: Sawyer and Gauge Mitzel, Hallie, Reed and Rori Worrel, and Tenley and Layton Behm. Lorny is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Earl and Connie Behm and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jeralyn, parents Adolph and Laura, in-laws Olaf and Leatrice Torgerson, sister and brother-in-law Mary and Julius Langer and granddaughter Miranda Stephens.
The family would like to extend a thank you to Hospice of the Red River Valley for all they did for Lorny and his family. The family would also like to extend a huge thank you to the Elderbee Care LLC crew for everything they did for Lorny and his family over the past 9 months.
In lieu of flowers the family requests Memorials to Hospice of the Red River Valley and Home on the Range.