Fred Behm

Fred Behm (81) of Traverse City died peacefully at the Munson Hospice House on Friday, February 14, 2025 after a lengthy and hard-fought battle with respiratory disease. He was surrounded by his loving family throughout his final days.

Fred was born in Saginaw, MI on December 16, 1943, to John (Jack) and Virginia (Ginny) Behm. A graduate of Arthur Hill High School and Alma College, Fred made the move to Traverse City in 1968 where he raised his family and created a community of friends.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mary Ann, whose unwavering love and care was the foundation for his continued ability to travel and share his passion for life with others. Fred cherished his children, Libby (Dan) Smith and Mike (Kristina) Behm and was a beloved "Boppa" to his two grandchildren, Cole and Grayson Smith who brought incredible joy to his life. He is also survived by his sister Kristy Evon, brother John (Kathi) Behm, and brother-in-law Mike (Sandy) Seykell. He was a favorite uncle, lovingly called UF by some, to 7 nieces and nephews and great uncle to 19. He also had numerous cousins and cousins-in-law.

He was predeceased by his parents, infant son Bryce, parents-in-law Ann and Stan Seykell, sister's significant other Jim Leffew, and nephew Tom.

Fred's friendships were important to him and friends quickly became family. Everyone who met Fred was touched by his personality and genuine care and concern for others. He delighted others with his stories, his irreverent wit and his ability to make one feel as if you had known him for years after a single conversation. He was also a "legendary teller of tales" which roughly translates to never being quite sure if he was pulling your leg.

Fred enjoyed sailing, duck hunting, fishing, tennis, and playing the banjo; he was also a phenomenal artist. He possessed a keen intellect and enjoyed a life-long passion for history and was wild about all things related to the Civil War, having read just about every book on the subject.

Fred never gave up and fulfilled late-life bucket-list dreams by visiting the USS Constitution in Boston in 2022, traveling to Houston in January 2024 to see the Michigan Wolverines win the National Championship, and attending his final yearly family Michigan Wolverines football game with children and grandchildren in September 2024. Celebrating his 81st birthday in December 2024 was an extraordinary feat and a testament to his continued love of being with family and friends.

A special thank you to Munson Healthcare Hospice (especially his nurse Tamara and social worker Sarah), the entire staff at the Munson Hospice House, and his caregiver Ambur. Their loving care and support made the last year of his life at home with Mary Ann as comfortable as possible.

A Memorial Service for Fred will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. Visitation will be on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., also at the funeral home.

The Service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t6bwqsXx0k .

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his honor to Munson Healthcare Hospice.