Janet Behrens

Janet Loise Behrens, 04/29/1943 – 07/110/2026 of Knoxville, IA. She was a devoted mother and grandmother passed away on July 10, 2026, at the age of 83. Janet was born on April 29, 1943, to Jesse Leland Greenhalgh and Thelma Ailene Boles in Oskaloosa, IA. She attended Evans School through the eighth grade and graduated from Osialoosa High School in 1961. She then attended and graduated from William Penn College 1961-1965, receiving her teaching certificate in English. Janet taught English from 1965 -1967 in Sigourney before starting a family. She later returned to school at the University of Iowa, Receiving as Masts of Library Science in 1992. On June 11, 1966, Janet married Virgil Lee Behrens at the Methodist Church in Sigourney. Together they raised two children – Kurt Behrens and Kristen Holdeman. She supported their many activities as they went through school. She took great pride in attending her grandchildren’s activities, rarely missing anything. She loved watching birds; her favorite bird was the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jesse and Thelma Greehalgh, husband Virgil on June 3, 2008, brother Larry Greenhalgh.

She is survived by her children Kurt (Nicole) Behrens of Sigourney, Kristin Holdeman (Tom Bacon) of Millerton, grandchildren Tiffany Goldman, Zachary Behrens, Steven (Sara) Roose, Jesiah Behrens, Katelyn (Chris) Ehret, Shelby (Marcus) Mandt, Codi (Zack) De Bruin, nine great-grandchildren, sister Elaine (Les) Guthrie, and brother Robert (Mary Walker), Greenhalgh.

The family appreciated the outpouring of support during this time.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Knoxville Friends of the Library and the Knoxville Kiwanis

Visitation: Thursday July 16, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Holm Funeral Home- Sigourney,IA.
Funeral Service: Thursday July 16, 2026 1:00 p.m. Holm Funeral Home - Sigourney,IA.
Burial Pleasant Grove Cemetery – Sigourney, IA