Magdalin "Maggie" Louise Behrens , of Minot and formerly of Garrison, Coleharbor and Turtle Lake, began her eternal life on March 17, 2007.

Maggie was born in Parkston, South Dakota on November 4, 1914 and was the oldest of 13 children of John and Katherine (Rothmann) Walcker. The family moved to the Turtle Lake area in 1917 where Maggie attended country schools. Most of her early life was spent helping to raise her sisters and brothers.

On December 31, 1936, Maggie married Leonard Dahl in Underwood, North Dakota. They made their home in the Garrison and Coleharbor area before moving to Minot in 1943. Leonard was a policeman in Minot until his death in 1959. On August 4, 1961 she married Albert F. Behrens. Albert, along with his two brothers, owned B & B Plumbing in Minot. He died in 1998.

Maggie was a homemaker for most of her life. For many years she took care of grandchildren and great grandchildren in her home while their parents worked. Each child she cared for was blessed to have her be a part of their formative years as they were given much love and attention. Maggie was also an avid gardener. She planted according to the phases of the moon and the farmers' almanac. Growing tomatoes was her specialty and she always had an abundant crop. She enjoyed making salsa and canning many different fruits and vegetables. She also enjoyed growing flowers and had a large variety of indoor plants that brought her much joy. Cooking and baking were another one of her joys in life. All enjoyed her German "struedla", baked goods and many other dishes that she prepared.

Maggie was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and was previously a long time member of the Minot Moose Lodge where she especially enjoyed dancing.

Maggie is survived by her three children: Daughter, Fran Schmit, Minot and Sons, Richard (Bonnie) Dahl, Surprise, AZ and Larry (Lorie) Dahl, Phoenix, AZ; step-children, Hank (Linda) Behrens, Lubbock, TX,; George (Carol) Behrens, Bismarck, ND and Judy (Albert) Miller, Helena, MT.
Sisters: Elsie (Harold) Sellon, Turtle Lake, ND; Leona Urban, Chula Vista, CA; Bertha Holberg, LaCrosse, WI; Freda (Arlo) Voth, Turtle Lake, ND; Mary Ann (Wilbert) Seidler, Garrison, ND and Helen Smith, Chula Vista, CA. Brothers: Fred Walcker, Billings, MT; Jack Walcker, Turtle Lake, ND and Virgil (Goldie) Walcker, Garden City , KS. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Rick (Debra) Steffan, Michael (Beth) Dahl, Kathy Holmes, Kim (Randy) Lakoduk, Kari (Jon) Price, Mark Dahl, James (DeeAnn) Dahl, and Steven (Heather) Dahl; 14 step grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 20 step great grandchildren and 3 step great, great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Maggie was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, brothers John and Ted and her stepson Robert L. Dahl, a longtime Minot fireman.

Funeral Service: Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. in Christ Lutheran Church - Minot.
Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens - Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2: 00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church or Minot Youth for Christ.