Dora Irene Behrens

Dora Irene Behrens, 92, of Moorhead, MN passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2016, at Eventide on 8th, Moorhead. Dora was born on September 24, 1924 on the Gudahl family farm place near Donnelly, MN to Christ and Brita Lunde Gudahl. She was baptized on October 19, 1924, at Kongsvinger Church, rural Donnelly and was confirmed there on November 13, 1938. Dora attended District #63 school in Stevens County, with perfect attendance, through the eighth grade.
Family farm work kept Dora busy but she also worked at the Ag School Dining Hall in Morris, MN and at Dunbar’s Café in Wheaton, MN.
Through her interest in dancing she met a young farmer named Earl Behrens and later, when he discovered her working at Dunbar’s, a courtship began. They were married at Kongsvinger Church on November 7, 1952.
Their farm partnership became a farm family after the birth of their four children; Orin, Diane, Joan and Linda.
4-H was a major factor in Dora’s life starting at age ten. First for herself and then for all four children. She was also a leader at the county level.
Other interests included quilting, crocheting and embroidery which resulted in beautiful treasured gifts to all family members. Dora’s extensive garden bounty provided the family with endless veggies.
Dora and Earl spend winters in Arizona from 1980 to 1994. Their move from rural Dumont to Moorhead took place in 1992. They were involved in two different condo builds before moving into the Eventide Assisted Living Apartments in 2010.
Earl died in the Eventide Nursing Home on February 6, 2016 and Dora moved to the nursing home in August of this year. Dora was a member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Fargo.
Dora is survived by her son; Orin Behrens of Bottineau, ND; daughters, Diane Reese of West Fargo, Joan Behrens of Fargo, Linda Douglas Bakkene of Worthington, MN; step-grandchildren, Jessica Cory Docken of Minneapolis, Jake Angie Reese of Horace, ND, Josh Reese of Mapleton, ND, Jesse Reese of West Fargo; step-great grandchildren, Emma and Abby Docken, Taylor and Ryder Reese and Lacsey Reese; sister, Rosella Sax, Elbow Lake, MN.
Dora was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl; brother, Melvin Gudahl; sister, Agnes Nelson; son-in-law, Dave Reese.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Eventide on 8th and Hospice of the Red River Valley for the exceptional care given to Dora.
Visitation: Friday, November 11, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead.
Funeral: Saturday, November 12, at 11:00 a.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Fargo.
Interment: Moorhead Memorial Gardens.