Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Polk City United Methodist Church, 1421 West Broadway Street, Polk City, IA 50226. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 W 1St Street, Ankeny, Iowa 50023. Burial will be held on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Beaver Catholic Cemetery, Woodward, Iowa.
Ed was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Carl and Wanda, on May 8th, 1957. He grew up with his brothers (Rick & Kirk) and his favorite sister (Roxanne) in Saylorville, where he attended school and graduated from Saydel High School. He attended Ryder Technical Institute, which led to a 33-year career as a Ford Senior Master Technician at Stivers Ford Lincoln Mercury. Throughout his career and following his retirement from Stivers, he also was a Master Electrician that owned and operated Behanish Electrical.
Ed wasn’t just a Master electrician and technician, he was a master in woodworking, random fact knowledge and being able to provide solutions for any problem, project or challenge. Ed was known as THE family man. His love, enjoyment and welcoming heart not only extended to his wife, children, grandchildren and relatives, but anyone who knew and came across his path. All were invited and considered part of the Behanish family. In his younger years, he enjoyed racing motorcycles, working on cars and attending his boys’ (Justin and Brandon) hockey games and wrestling meets. After becoming a grandfather, he also loved golfing, cycling, snow skiing, camping and attending ALL of his grandkids and kids sporting events.
Ed was the man everyone could depend on and would call to fix anything. His love for helping, teaching and mentoring was extended to anyone and everyone that needed him. He was especially proud of his membership, trusteeship and volunteerism with the members and his friends at the Polk City United Methodist Church. We will all miss his ‘rescue missions’ and the stories, explanations and memories that came along with the task he had at hand.
Ed showed and expressed a deep love, appreciation and gratitude for his wife, Linda, who was both his soul mate and caretaker. They enjoyed building their family together, taking long walks, building their home in Woodward, watching Cyclone and Hawkeye games and enjoying travels (recent to Florida, Jamaica, Graceland, Wisconsin Dells, Black Hills and more)!
Ed is survived by his wife, Linda, children Chad, Justin and Brandon (Rachel) Behanish, Amanda (Marcus) Wilcke, Jessica (Barry) Moore, Megan (Wesley) Campbell and Cody Cervene. He had 14 adored grandchildren (one more on the way!). He is also loved by his brothers Rick (Ruth) and Kirk (Ronna) Behanish, sister Roxane (Tim) Simon and Mindy Martin. He has too many nieces, nephews and special friends to mention, but he cherished them all. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Carl and Wanda and his niece, Tracy McFarlin.
Ed had a love and strong passion for the annual, Purple Stride Pancreatic Cancer walk. Per his wishes, please wear your Pan Can shirts (or purple) to his visitation. Any memorials will be donated to the 2024 Purple Stride Walk supporting Team Edo (donations can also be submitted at www.pancan.org for Team Edo).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AnkenyFuneralHome.com for the Behanish family.
