Georgia Von Behren

Georgia Von Behren of Bradenton, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 2, 2024, after reaching the age of 82.

Georgia was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 16, 1942, to George and Lucille (Noblot) Traxel. She attended Hancock High School where she was an excellent student and began a lifelong commitment to learning. She prioritized raising her family before returning to her own education. Her dedication to a goal and dogged persistence were evident as she worked full time as a vocational evaluator at the Lake County Area Vocational Center while beginning her collegiate journey. Many years of night school and project weekends resulted in her BA in History from Carthage College in Kenosha Wisconsin and her MA in Education from the University of Illinois.

In 1958, Georgia married her husband, Erwin (Sonny) Von Behren. Together, they shared a life full of adventure and travel, courtesy of the U.S. Navy and later the Merchant Marines. They crisscrossed the country and Pacific many times, even landing in Hawaii for three different duty assignments beginning Georgia’s love affair with all things Hawaiian.

Bitten by the travel bug, her response was always, “Count me in.” Georgia traveled extensively with her trips taking her far from her Missouri roots. She roamed the world with stops in Japan, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia, England, France, Israel, the West Bank, the Caribbean, Mexico, Peru, and most recently Spain and Portugal.

Her home base was Bradenton, Florida. It was here that Georgia found great satisfaction in caring for her banana trees, which she tended to with love and dedication, always wanting to share the fruits of her labor. Above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her family, and together, she and Erwin created countless treasured memories with their three children and eight grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Georgia is survived by her children, Rachel (Matthew) Brody, Renee (Brian Hufker) Von Behren, and Michael (Michele) Von Behren, along with her grandchildren, Robin, Ryan, and Sarah Brody, Kurt (Kayla) and Michael Hufker, Cassandra (Andrew Dison), William (Erik Normandin), and Amalie Von Behren. She will be deeply missed and remembered for her passion for life, bedazzled wardrobe, and feisty spirit. Her zest for life inspired those who knew her and will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Georgia’s name to the Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, where she was a founding member. https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-2170?tab=home

A funeral mass is scheduled for Thursday, January 23rd at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Lakewood Ranch, Florida followed by a committal service Friday, January 24th at 10:30 am at Sarasota National Cemetery.