Mark Behrendt

Mark Douglas Behrendt, 69, of New Philadelphia, passed away at Sunnyslope Care Center on February 8^th, 2023. He was born on April 23^rd, 1953, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of the late Ralph and June Behrendt. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carolyn Clapp Behrendt; his four children, William John Behrendt (Ashley Behrendt), Laura Behrendt Frasse (Chris Frasse), Benjamin Behrendt (Mary Frances Behrendt), and Joseph Behrendt. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Jacob Paul Behrendt, Eden Marjorie Behrendt, Caroline Martha Frasse, Noah Thomas Behrendt, John Liddle Behrendt, Charlotte Marie Frasse, and Luke Edmund Behrendt; and one sister Cheryl Behrendt Todd. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Jane Behrendt.

Mark joined his Heavenly Father with an open heart, his unconquered soul is now free from earthly torment. His meaning on Earth is unmistakable- he lives on through his children and grandchildren. He loved learning, and he loved teaching. In fact, he revered both. In Mark’s mind, every day presented an opportunity to learn a new word, read a new book, or study a new subject. He valued education and sought every opportunity to share his knowledge and teach others, especially his children.

Mark graduated from North Central High School in 1971 at the top of his class. He continued his academic excellence with a BA from DePauw University in 1975, a Master’s Degree from the University of Chicago and a Doctor of Ministry from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia in 1986.

During his first year teaching at the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri, he checked the box at the Presbyterian Church for a visit from the associate pastor. That associate pastor was Carolyn Clapp, and on July 3^rd, 1982 they wed in the scorching Missouri summer heat followed by a reception by a German oompah band and a Scottish bagpiper.

Mark served God faithfully, following in Carolyn’s footsteps to attend seminary and become ordained as a Presbyterian Minister. Shortly after welcoming their first child, Mark and Carolyn embarked on a trans-Atlantic adventure to East Kilbride, Scotland where he served the Old Parish Church of East Kilbride from 1984-1985. The lasting effect of Mark and Carolyn’s time in East Kilbride is undeniable – all four children visited the Old Parish Church in the years following Mark’s tenure.

He would go on to serve the Ellington Presbyterian Church in Quincy, Illinois, from 1986-1993, First Presbyterian Church in New Philadelphia, Ohio, from 1994-2001, and the St. John’s United Church of Christ in Walnut Creek, Ohio, from 2001 until his retirement in 2018. A quiet celebration followed his retirement, but his ministry of almost 40 years remains everlasting.

In his final years, frontotemporal dementia slowly stole the many qualities we loved about him: his wit and charm, his love of learning, and his unconditional generosity. Nevertheless, even with his cruel illness, Mark’s impact and qualities are abundantly clear - he lived to serve others. He loved his wife, Carolyn. He cherished his children and adored his grandchildren. His unconditional love for his family is felt today and every day. Mark often said a simple phrase: “Gratitude is the lens in which to view the world.”

We are all grateful for Mark Douglas Behrendt. We are grateful for his wisdom, his generosity, and his love. Thank you, Mark. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life…nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ.” Romans 8:38-39

All are welcome to celebrate Mark’s life at the Geib Funeral Center in Dover, Ohio on Saturday, February 11^th from 1-3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dover Public Library. A private service will be held at the Auxvasse Presbyterian Church in Kingdom City.