Joseph M. Behler

He was the first of nine children born to Hermann and Kathryn (Willenborg) Behler on March 26, 1924, in Greencreek. He attended schools in Ferdinand, Clarkston and graduated from high school at Greencreek in 1943.

Joe served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific theater from December 1943 to February 1946 during World War II.

He married his high school sweetheart, Edna Dasenbrock, on May 24, 1945, in Clarkston. They had five children. Edna passed away Nov. 29, 1996. In Joe's later years, he enjoyed the companionship of a very dear friend, Bernita McHale.

Joe worked 40 years for Potlatch Forests Inc., and the past 16 years as the head saw filer. He was also the past president of the International Saw Filers Education Association. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Lewiston and was the past president of the Jawbone Good Sams Camping Club. He was also a longtime member of the Elks Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping with friends and family. He loved to dance and, in his retirement years, he enjoyed woodworking.

He is survived by his two daughters, Susan (Alec) Messenger of Lewiston and JoRae (Phil) Teasley of Clarkston. He is also survived by three sons, Robert Behler of Portland, Ore., Kenneth (Jacque) Behler of Boise and John (Debra) Behler of Lewiston. Joe had nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers, Harold (LaVon) Behler, Herman (Gerri) Behler and Gerald Behler; and three sisters, Marie Mitchell, Mardell (Arnold) Muth and Dona (Jay) McCann.

He was preceded in death by brothers Valene Behler and Fred Behler.

A rosary will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, followed by funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., at All Saints Catholic Church, 3330 14th St., Lewiston. Lunch will be served after the service. Donations in his name can be made to a charity of one's choice.