Joanna Behr

To view Calvary United Methdosist's recording or Joanna's funeral, plase follow this link:  https://www.youtube.com/@syracusecalvaryumc1799

Joanna Behr of Syracuse, Indiana, a lifelong learner and educator, passed away on January 26, 2024. She was born on February 19, 1932 to Raymond and Agnes Allen of Sweetser, Indiana. 

She graduated from Sweetser High School in 1950 and went on to complete her undergraduate studies at Ball State University, where she also earned a Master’s degree. Joanna started her teaching journey in Huntington, Indiana, where she taught elementary students. Later, she moved on to the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where she taught home economics and served as a faculty advisor to the Wesley Foundation. She later served the University of Wisconsin-Superior as the Associate Dean of Students, as the International Student Advisor, and as Head of Advising – the position from which she retired. 

Described as hardworking and intelligent, Joanna's dedication extended beyond the classroom. She had a great appreciation for music, playing often for church in her youth. She had recently stepped in to serve her home congregation, Calvary United Methodist Church, in this capacity. Joanna delighted in being on or near the water, and she took great joy in hosting her family at her home on Syracuse Lake. An avid reader with an affinity for geography, she read a wide variety of genres and authors.

She first married G. Byron "Bud" Sharp and was widowed.  In 1965 Joanna married Michael R. Behr.  They divorced in 1986. Michael subsequently died in 2018. 

In addition to Joanna, the family mourns the loss of her parents, Raymond Harley and Agnes Allegra (Largent) Allen, her brother Dale Allen, his wife Lois Allen, and niece Karen Allen Keane. 

Joanna is survived by her loving children: Susanna (Brent) Etzel of Wheaton, IL; Rebecca Behr of Brooklyn, NY; and Allen (Jennifer) Behr of Charlotte, NC. Joanna's legacy lives on through her beloved grandchildren: Carolyn Etzel (Lucas) Branch, Clark, Grant, and Josie; and Adelaide, Estelle, Evelyn, and Genevieve.

Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse is entrusted with the care of Joanna and her family. Services will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church, 801 South Huntington Street, Syracuse Indiana on Friday, February 16, 2024. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Beginning at 11:30, Pastor Paul Burris will lead a Life Celebration Funeral. Burial will follow at Syracuse Cemetery with a lunch to follow at Calvary United Methodist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation or to Calvary United Methodist Church of Syracuse, Indiana with envelopes available at the service