Catherine M. Behounek, 102, Hayfield

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 Nov. 23, 1919, in Whittemore, Iowa.  he was educated at St. Joseph’s Parochial School in St. Joe, Iowa. Catherine and Paul Behounek were to be married on Nov. 12, 1940, but the big blizzard on November 11th postponed their wedding to Nov.13, 1940, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Catherine and Paul lived on a farm near Pocahontas, Iowa until March 1, 1949, and then moved to Renwick where they remained until April 1, 1954, then moving to their final homestead northeast of Hayfield.
After raising their four boys, on April 1, 1969, Catherine started working at Field Crest Nursing Home in Hayfield, as a full-time Nurses’ Aide for 27 ½ years. She switched to part-time in February 1985, and ultimately retired to care for Paul. He died June 24, 2004.
Catherine was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hayfield. She 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. She always looked forward to planting a huge vegetable garden every year and did so, well into her 90’s. She enjoyed canning, cooking, quilting and baking. She had a beautiful bird collection and loved to be with her family and her grandchildren.  She always made sure everyone was well fed and never ran away from hard work.
Catherine is survived by her children, Darrell Behounek, wife, (Mary deceased)  Tacoma, Wash.; Ronald (Rhonda) Behounek, Hayfield; Kenneth (Joleen) Behounek, Unity, Wis.; Marvin (Melanie) Behounek, Littleton, Colo.; six grandchildren, Kimberly Behounek, Kyle Behounek, Kerry (Erick) Klepel, Keith (Heather) Behounek, Lindsay Behounek, Robbie Behounek; eight 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.  
She was preceded in death by her parents; Paul in 2004; brothers, Sylvester Erpelding, Francis Erpelding and twin brother, Bill Erpelding.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 501 2ndStreet 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.
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