Harold Behmlander

Harold Behmlander

Plymouth, MI – Harold Behmlander, age 92, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 14, 2018. Beloved husband of 47 years to Doris Behmlander (deceased) and father to son Stephen (Jolie) and daughter Susan (Jeff) Brown. He also leaves behind an extended family including step-children Dr. Shannon (George) Allen, Kelley (Fred) Foudy and Daniel (Ruth) Hersey. Harold also leaves behind many loving grandchildren and a great-grandson.

Harold was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Louise Behmlander and his brother, Lawrence Behmlander.

A proud graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., Harold proudly served his country in World War II and the Korean Conflict as an officer in the U.S. Navy. His love of sailing never left him into retirement. He sailed for both pleasure and work. He continued to sail into his 80’s, including his continued work with the U.S. Navy tracking Russian submarine activity in the Arctic Circle and worldwide.

After his honorable discharge from the U. S. Navy, Harold continued his studies at the University of Detroit School of Law.

A 36-year employee of the Michigan Bell Telephone Co., he retired and served as the Saginaw County Emergency Services Director. A lifelong learner, Harold enrolled at Saginaw Valley State University, graduating with his Masters Degree in Psychology. Eventually retiring to Sarasota, Florida with his wife, Doris.

In retirement Harold enjoyed sailing, reading, golf, gardening and his grandchildren, but mostly spending time with the love of his life, Doris. When Doris passed away in 2015, Harold moved back from Florida to Plymouth, Michigan, picking up the pieces of a great loss, living with, and enjoying life with his daughter Susan and son-in-law, Jeff Brown.

During this time, Harold became a staunch supporter and fan of Lawrence Tech University Athletics and Lawrence Tech’s Tennis teams. He also enjoyed his many friends in the community, feeding the squirrels from his porch and enjoying the occasional cigar and afternoon drink to celebrate a life well lived. He also enjoyed having his adult children around him in his later life.

In passing, Harold leaves behind a great legacy and huge shoes to fill. He will be missed by many, but his memory to those he knew and lives he impacted, will live on in eternity.

There will be no immediate burial, as Harold’s wishes were to be cremated and his ashes and those of Doris, interred at his alma mater, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

There will be a celebration of Harold’s life on Friday, December 7, 2018, from 4-7PM at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home in Plymouth, MI. All who knew Harold are encouraged and invited to celebrate his life with us.

Sail on Sailor…