Kenneth John Behrend

Kenneth John Behrend, 88, passed away peacefully in Merrill, Wisconsin on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Woodland Court Elder Services under the compassionate care of Aspirus Hospice Services and Woodland Court Staff.

Kenneth was born on June 15, 1937 in Wisconsin Rapids to Louwin and Elsie Behrend. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids. He obtained his diploma for Clinical Laboratory Technique from the Northwest Institute of Medical Technology in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1957. Kenneth worked much of his career in the medical laboratory/blood bank of various healthcare settings. He retired from Holy Cross Good Samaritan Hospital in Merrill in 1999 as Director of the blood bank.

Ken found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He participated in the community theater in his younger years and enjoyed music, watching movies, traveling, and visiting casinos.

Survivors include his first cousin, Kathleen (Behrend) Kopacz, her husband, Victor, and family of Wisconsin Rapids, first cousin, Jack Behrend and his wife, Shirley of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gerald Behrend.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Woodland Court Elder Services for care and support provided to Ken the past seven years. A special thank you to Judy Wery for your years of friendship and support attending to Ken’s financial and personal matters.

Services will be held at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, 301 Eagle Dr., Merrill, Wisconsin on April 23, 2026 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation.

Burial will take place on April 24, 2026, at 10:00am, at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com