Dorothy Behof

Dorothy was above all, a devoted Catholic. While still able, she went to Church faithfully and tried to instill positive, loving ways of life in her children and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her.

She had a love for animals. Even in the earlier days when at one time there were about 15 kittens, two birds, and a dog – on top of the 10 children in the house. Her pets were always rescues. There was some relief years later with just Sparky, Champy, (and the cats) Casper and Scaredy Cat.

What’s for dinner? Who cares—as long as there’s cake for dessert! Meals were fine, but Dorothy would tell anyone and everyone that dessert was the most important part of dining. And a house should always have cookies. She loved having a good selection of cookies on hand at any time. And a special shout-out for those who helped her enjoy those delicious treats: Barbara, Tammie, Lisa T., and Richard.

Dorothy had a multitude of friends. Out of town and overseas friends and family she stayed in touch with for years, even though she never met some of them in person. Some didn’t read/write English, so she had Ann’s friend (Lisa and her mom) translate. So many church friends all looked forward to seeing her sit in her usual seat at church. And as she sat on the front porch swing, she’d say hello to all neighbors walking by. She loved how one special dog, Bailey, would come up to the swing to say hello to her.

She loved to travel. Going on trips with her family, she has visited most of the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii), Canada, and Mexico. She treasured all the memories and if you’ve talked with her, you’ve heard her say “Do it while you can” and “I’m glad I did it while I could.” And she did it all so well!

Dorothy looked forward to a game night every week. She could play any game you’d put in front of her. Card games, board games, word games. She loved them all! She even played Quiddler and “Jacks” two nights before passing.

She also had a love for the piano. She told us her story of how, as a child, she had to practice daily. And it was a talent that stayed with her. She put on a recital for us at her house in 2010, at age 87. She also played for us at her 101 birthday party!

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On April 27, 1946, Dorothy married the late Andrew C. Behof and went on to have 10 children. She was a beloved mother of Trudy (Wayne) Tess, Dorothy (the late Ed) Morehead, Mary T. (the late Dale) Harmening, the late Andy, John, the late Terry (Kris), Ann (Charlie) Aman, Jerry, Jim (Paula), and the late Mike (Toni).

She was a cherished grandmother to John Kirchen, Lisa Zenow, Brian Kirchen, Beth (Ken) Rausch, Mike Morehead, Jonathan Harmening, Jeremy Harmening, Barbie (Martin) Ortega, the late Stacy (Scott) Purcell, Johnny Behof II, Dan (Alexa) Ristow, Julia (Benji) Jacobs, Daniel Aman, Laura Aman, Emily Aman, Andrew Behof, Lily Behof, Nicole (Tim) Hatfield, Becky Behof, and Tim Behof.

She was a treasured great-grandmother to Allison (Nate Reichelt) Kirchen, Sebastian Zenow, Kira Zenow, Jennifer Kirchen, Lauren Rausch, Sarah Rausch, the late Emily Rausch, Vincent Morehead, Marty Ortega, Tatiana Ortega, Antonio Ortega, Brianna Behof, Andy Purcell, Tyler Hatfield, Kylie Hatfield.

And she was a proud great-great-grandmother to Vinnie Reichelt and Carter Reichelt.

Wake: Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 4-8pm (Note: Prayers at 5:30)

Drake and Son Funeral Home

5303 N. Western Ave.

Chicago, IL, 60625

Funeral Mass: Friday, June 14, 2024 at 11am

St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church

5545 N Paulina St.

Chicago, IL 60640

After Mass, procession to:

St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery

3100 N Thatcher Ave.

River Grove, IL 60171

In lieu of flowers, please donate to either Anti Cruelty Society or PAWS Chicago.