Ellen was born February 22, 1929 to Johannes Henry Bartels, Jr. and Viola Anna Sophia (Busch) Bartels, on a farm near Baldwin, IA.
Throughout her married life, she and Walter worked side-by-side in ministry. Ellen enjoyed teaching Sunday school, Confirmation, and Bible Studies. She shared many fond memories of teaching country school. Her cinnamon rolls and other baked goods were enjoyed by many. Sewing quilts for Lutheran World Relief was her mission field.
Ellen is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Walter A. Behrens and their infant son, David, parents, brothers, Earl and Harlan, sister, Fern.
She is survived by her children, Ruth (Jerry) Schmidt, Paul (Julie) Behrens and Lois (Stephen) Rasgorshek; grandchildren, Erik Schmidt, Karin (Bjorn) Broman, August Behrens, Sarah (Tim) O'Connor, Charles and Walter Behrens, Reagan and Jillian Jones and Mia Rasgorshek; great-grandson, Hugo Broman; brothers Donald and Frederick; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11 am at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 207 Taylor St., Traer, IA 50675.
Memorials, per Ellen’s request, are suggested to the First Lutheran Church, Lutheran World Relief Quilting Fund, Blair, NE.
