Maynard Dale Behrends was born July 31, 1929, to Albert W. and Adele L. (Antholz) Behrends on the family farm southwest of Auburn, Nebraska. He was baptized August 30, 1929, and confirmed November 21, 1943, at St. John Lutheran (Stone) Church. His confirmation verse was Matthew 6:23. Maynard attended school through the 8th grade at Auburn District #41 near his home.

On August 29, 1949, Maynard married his sweetheart Donna L. Hartell in Hiawatha, Kansas. They made their home on the family farm and would be blessed with three children: Carolyn, Corrie, and Craig.

Maynard was a lifelong farmer, from growing up on the farm well into his later years. He had also worked during winter months at Rohrs & Parker Rock Quarry not far from his home.

As a lifelong member of Stone Church, he served many times on the Church Council and was a longtime member of the cemetery board. Throughout his life Maynard had enjoyed dancing with Donna and camping with the family. He seemed to always be “piddling” with something.

Maynard and Donna had moved to Johnson, Nebraska after retiring from the farm. After Donna passed in March of 2017, Maynard stayed in their home until moving to the Good Samaritan Society-Auburn in April of 2024. He passed away there peacefully on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the age of 94 years, 10 months, and 20 days. In addition to Donna and his parents Albert and Adele, he was preceded in death by his stepmother Lydia, daughter Carolyn Eltiste; brothers Melvin (Lena and Louise), Clarence (Lorene), Orval (Ora), and Chester, (Doris); sister Lenora (Glen) Remmers; and stepbrother Alister.

Maynard is lovingly remembered by his daughter Corrie Thies of Lewiston; son and daughter-in-law Craig and Lori Behrends of Auburn; son-in-law Russ Eltiste of Tecumseh; grandchildren Russell, Jr. (Christine) Eltiste, Nicole (Girard) Straka, Jennifer Dodson, Jamison (Penny) Thies, Blayne (Bonnie) Behrends, Michael (Daleen) Behrends, Stacy (Terry) Benham; numerous great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A private family memorial service and burial of ashes was held at St. John Lutheran (Stone) Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to family choice.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.