Catherine Behounek

Catherine M. Behounek passed away on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at Susie’s Place in Hayfield.

Catherine, the daughter of Casper Erpelding and Mary Besch Erpelding Arend, was born November 23, 1919, in Whittemore, IA.  She was educated at St. Joseph’s Parochial School in St. Joe, IA.  Catherine and Paul Behounek were to be married on November 12, 1940, but the big blizzard on November 11 ^th postponed their wedding to November 13, 1940, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.  They then lived on farms near Pocahontas, and Renvick, IA until April 1, 1954, when they moved to their final homestead northeast of Hayfield, MN, where they raised their four boys.  Catherine was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hayfield. She always looked forward to planting a huge vegetable garden every year and did so, well into her 90’s.  She enjoyed canning, cooking and baking and always made sure everyone was well fed.  Her delight in quilting was clearly evident as she created each hand-crafted quilt.  She also had a beautiful bird collection.  Catherine loved to be with friends, family and especially her grandchildren.

On April 1, 1969, Catherine started working at Field Crest Nursing Home in Hayfield, as a full-time Nurses’ Aide for 27 ½ years, then switched to part-time and later retired to care for Paul.  He died June 24, 2004. Catherine was a very hard worker, strong-willed, and was a natural care giver.  Even when she went to live at Susie ’s Place, she wanted to help.

Catherine is survived by her children, Darrell Behounek, wife, (Mary deceased)  Tacoma, WA; Ronald (Rhonda) Behounek, Hayfield, MN; Kenneth (Joleen) Behounek, Unity, WI; Marvin (Melanie) Behounek, Littleton, CO; 6 grandchildren, Kimberly Behounek, Kyle Behounek, Kerry (Erick) Klepel, Keith (Heather) Behounek, Lindsay Behounek, Robbie Behounek; 8 great grandchildren, Cody Klepel, Lucas Klepel, Isaac Klepel, Mackenzie Klepel, Joshua Gillespie, Kutter Behounek,  twins, Willow and Kolt Behounek; and sister, Delores Wennerberg, Des Moines, IA.  She was preceded in death by her parents; Paul in 2004; brothers, Sylvester Erpelding, Francis Erpelding and twin brother, Bill Erpelding.

Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 501 2 ^nd Street NW in Hayfield and one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday.  The funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2021, with Father John Wilmot celebrating.  Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield.

Due to the current health concerns and restrictions, please respect social distancing, and the wearing of face masks at the visitation and funeral service.

Blessed be her memory.

To share a special memory or condolence please, visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com

Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes

501 2 ^nd Street NW ~ Hayfield, Minnesota

507/477/2259