Myra Joan Behrendt

Myra Joan Behrendt, age 80, of Rush City, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 18th, 2026. Born on January 29, 1946, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Joan lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and a deep love for family and friends.

Named after her father, Joan was the daughter of Myron and Carrie Mallinger. She spent her early childhood on Rainy Street in St. Paul until third grade, then lived in Elk River for a year before settling in Rush City, where she attended school from grades 5 through 12. It was there she met the love of her life, Gary Behrendt—on a hayride at her good friend Sally’s house. One of her favorite high school memories was cheerleading, and she cherished childhood summers spent swimming at the lake with her mom and siblings.

Joan’s life was defined by the roles she cherished most: daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her heart was fullest when surrounded by family. She married Gary in 1964, and together they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and community.

She spent her working years farming alongside Gary, working as a beautician, and later providing in-home childcare for many—including her beloved grandchildren. She was active in her community as a PTA member, an Eastern Star member, and a woman of many creative hobbies.

In retirement, Joan embraced new adventures. She took up golfing and spent time at Carefree Country Club, where she proudly achieved a hole-in-one in her second year. She later enjoyed winters at The Villages in Florida. She had a passion for reading, puzzling and trivia—what Gary lovingly called her “wealth of useless knowledge”.

Joan was known for her incredible cooking. She never followed a recipe, yet she could recreate any restaurant dish with ease. She cooked with love, and Gary washed the dishes—an arrangement that worked beautifully for decades. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel seen, valued, and deeply cared for.

Joan is survived by her children David (Julie) Behrendt and Jody (Rick) Friday; grandchildren Amanda (Devin) Smith, Jeremiah (Holly) Friday, Zachary (Nakesha) Lopez, Jami (Jared) Johnson, Bailey (Jack) Kneiszler, Beau (Samantha) Behrendt, Jacob (Summer) Behrendt, and Samuel Behrendt; great-grandchildren Abrielle, Paigelynn, Kaden, Callen, Tate, Avaya, Willow, and Breckyn; siblings Marie McCauley, Linda (Roland) Heley, Mike (Connie) Mallinger, Marcia Auge, Mavis (Joe) Hughes, Milo (Patti) Mallinger, and Mel (Karen) Mallinger; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Gary Behrendt; her parents Myron and Carrie Mallinger; sister Myrna Fitzgerald; brothers-in-law Robert McCauley, Harry Braun, and Butch Auge; and nephews Shawn McCauley, Erin McCauley, and Todd Mallinger.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held 11:00 AM Friday, September 25, 2026 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery of Rush City, with a luncheon to follow; upstairs of the Rush City VFW.

Joan’s presence will be profoundly missed, but her legacy of love, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family will continue to guide those who knew her

Special thanks to the staff at Vivie-Rusheba and St Croix Hospice for the care they provided Joan.

Funeral arrangements for Joan are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel 

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