Alfred E. “Fritz” Behrens, age 85, passed away peacefully of natural causes in his home surrounded by his family on April 21, 2020.
He was born on October 17, 1934 in Anderson, IN. He is survived by his wonderful wife of 60 years, Ardyce; his 5 children, Faith Downs (Jeff), Hope Ernest (Byron), Brian Behrens, Amy Brown (Pat), and Melinda Morrison (Robert); 13 grandchildren, Larryjoe Brown, Morgan Quick (Tim); Christina Weir (Jon), Autumn Patishall (Mitchell), Colton Downs, Heath Ernest, Olivia Behrens, Emma Behrens, Evan Behrens, Kate Brown, Madeline Brown, Claire Morrison, and Max Morrison (Krista); 9 great grandchildren, Kaylyn, Adalyn and Emersyn Weir, Dyllan and Hayes Quick, Brooks Patishall, Mason Downs, Mia and Ellie Morrison and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Ruth Behrens, sister Ruth Ann, and brother Tommy.
Fritz was a “one-of-a-kind” that will be truly missed by anyone that knew him. He was a rare combination of someone who had a firm understanding of what was important – God, Family/Friends, and Community. He was a leader and educator that was always willing to give of his time to anyone that needed it; however, his family was his pride and joy.
As a lifelong resident of Anderson, he was a proud member of the Anderson High School Class of 1952. For a short time, Fritz did leave Anderson while attending the University of Cincinnati. There he was a member of the Ohio Theta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta and was the Bearcat Mascot for 4 years. After graduation, he served in the Armed Forces and met the love of his life. He returned to Anderson after retiring from the Army as a rank of Captain. He then became the 3rd generation owner/operator of Behrens Paint Spot which was a long-time Anderson institution that closed in 2000.
After the store closed he worked for the Department of Public Works where, among other things, was a driving force of the trash recycling program for the City of Anderson.
His drive to give back to the community started when he volunteered at the local YMCA while he was a student at Anderson High School. He continued that service as President of the Swim Team Board and a member of the YMCA Board of Directors. He was active in many other organizations in the community including but not limited to: Anderson Camera Club, Founding Member of Red Coats at Community Hospital, and President and Secretary of the Anderson Police Horse Patrol. He served not only as a Board Member of Alternatives, Inc., but was the volunteer project manager for Alternative’s new facility.
His extensive involvement of over 65 years in Boy Scouts of America started when he was a member of Pack 301 where his father was the Cubmaster. Fritz then became Cubmaster for Pack 301 while his son was a member. He continued his service to the Boy Scouts of America in various positions, Director of the Crossroads Council, Advisor to the Order of the Arrow, the Institutional Representative for First Baptist Church on the Board of the Sakima District, a volunteer with Troop 253 and 301 where his grandsons were members, and was actively involved with BSA fundraising drives annually.
Given his family dedication, Fritz volunteered in organizations where his children participated, these include becoming a board member at the Dolphin Club and Anderson Community Aquatics Club (ACAC), Treasurer of the Weekday Religious Education Program in Anderson Community Schools, Forest Hills PTO, President of the Anderson High School Parent Group, Band Booster President, and Post-Prom Chairman for 2 years. He also served as a Board Member of Anderson Crime Stoppers, Urban Enterprise Association Board, and a volunteer solicitor for the United Way.
Throughout all of this, Fritz’s dedication to First Baptist Church was unwavering. He has served in various leadership roles including Moderator, Deacon, Trustee, Youth Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Usher. He chaired the Financial Campaign to construct the new church on Raible Avenue. He served as the General Chairman for the Indiana Baptist’s “Vision 80” campaign to raise funds for Baptist youth camps in Indiana and as the President of Baptist Youth Fellowship.
He received the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America for his dedicated service and was named the 2008 Anderson Rotary Club’s Community Image Award. He was given the True Blue Society award from Phi Delta Theta because of his everlasting commitment to the fraternity.
Fritz was also an avid fisherman and hunter. When you did not find him working or volunteering, he was in the woods or on the water. He was a long-time member of Ducks Unlimited and the NRA. Most people do not know that Fritz was very artistic and used photography and poetry as his creative outlet. He also loved to dance, mostly with his wife. Although he had a back surgery in 2002 that left him with limited use of his legs, he was not stopped from doing his service work within the community and church. He continued to live life to its fullest and do all the things that were important to him. He was a trooper for a lot of years. We know now that he is comfy, got his legs back and is already giving advice in heaven. Using his wit and humor, his simple acts of kindness never failed to make a tremendous impact on anyone that interacted with Fritz. He will be sorely missed by his family as he was always there with the advice and guidance that was needed before they even knew they needed it. He has left a wonderful legacy. Let us all carry this legacy forward by being the best that we can be and contributing to our communities.
Although this obit pays tribute to a wonderful man and all of his accomplishments, to his wife he was a dedicated husband and father, and to his kids he was just Dad; that is the accomplishment that made him the proudest.
Funeral arrangements were handled by Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to First Baptist Church; Alternatives, Inc.; or Crossroads of America Council, BSA Camp Kikthawenund.
Additionally, the family would like to thank all of Fritz’s doctors that supported him throughout the years, Edgewater Woods for their wonderful care and support, and ViaQuest hospice.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.