Passing of Donald L. Behrmann of Gainesville, retired federal employee, Catholic teacher

Donald Louis Behrmann, 82, of Gainesville, Virginia died Friday, September 11, 2015.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Claire Holloway Behrmann; his children, Michael (Donna) of Fredericksburg, Va., John (Liz) of Spotsylvania, Va., Matthew of Albany, NY and Maura (Gary) of Albany, NY; his step-children, Patrick Tewell (Mary) of Richmond, Va., Dr. Elizabeth Ann Jensen (Carlos) of Mt. Pleasant, SC and Michelle Poole (Jay) of Chesterfield, Va.; 27 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, several brothers-in-law including Rev. Jim Holloway of St. Simmons Island, Ga. and several sisters-in-law. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Emma and Louis Behrmann, his previous wife, Margaret (McGrath) Behrmann and one granddaughter, Sarah Behrmann.

Don was a devout Catholic whose faith supported him throughout his entire life.  He taught CCD for many years.  After his retirement, Don worked for Catholic Distance University.

Don was an alumnus of Notre Dame University where he received an academic scholarship and graduated with an Architectural degree.

Don worked at the Pentagon for many years with the Department of Army and received many outstanding awards including the Order of the White Plume for his dedicated service to the military.

He was an avid fisherman, and loved fly fishing.  He also played handball twice a week at the Pentagon POAC with the marines.

Don was loved by many for his kind and gentle wisdom and will be greatly missed and loved by all his family and friends.

The family will receive friends at Pierce Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA on Wednesday, Sept. 16,  from 5-8 PM.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8213 Linton Hall Road, Gainesville, VA on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015 at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Respect Life Ministries at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8213 Linton Hall Road, Gainesville, VA 20155 or Catholic Distance University, Hamilton, VA.