Encyclopedia Dubuque
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BEHR, Irwin J.
BEHR, Irwin J. (Sherrill, IA, July 4, 1920--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 18, 2005) The son of Joseph J. and Clara (Frommelt) Behr, Irwin married Lorraine Hein on Sept. 21, 1944, at NATIVITY CHURCH, Dubuque. He served in the Army during WORLD WAR II and was stationed at Pearl Harbor.
Behr worked with his father, J.J. Behr, in the General Store in Sherrill, which was the oldest implement dealer in Iowa. After the war, J.J. Behr Implement Co., which later was BEHR FARM AND CITY DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, moved to Dubuque. He worked there from 1947 to 1992 with his father and son, Rich.
Behr was a well-known band leader in the Dubuque area. He had his first band at the age of 16. His last band was IRV BEHR AND HIS RHYTHM BOYS.
Behr was the past president of the Musicians Union Local 289 and the Midwest Conference of Musicians which covered the Dakotas, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa. He was a delegate to the American Federation of Musicians National Convention for over thirty years. He also was past president of the Hawkeye Motorcycle Club. Behr was a member of the Businessmen's Association; Dubuque Home Builders Association; life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 510; American Legion, Dubuque Post 6; and was one of the original members of the Dubuque County Fair Board.
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Source:
Obituaries. Feb 21, 2005 Telegraph Herald
Nash, Russ and Ruth. "Dubuque Musicians Union: Profile of Part-Time Professionals," Julien's Journal, October, 1990, p.8