R. Behr Obituary

R. Douglas Behr of Midland passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 24th, 2025 at the age of 96. He was born on July 20th, 1928 to Alfred Behr and Ethel Oeschger (Johnson) and grew up in Caseville, Michigan.

After serving in the United States Navy as an aviator electronic technician, Doug became a two-time graduate of Michigan State University, with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's degree in Applied Mechanics. After working for the State of Michigan Highway Commission for several years, he then went on to work for 38 years at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan, where his greatest professional accomplishment became his industry-changing contribution to the manufacturing process of Ziploc bags, with his work allowing for the cheap and efficient mass manufacturing of them that paved the way for households all over the world to have them in their homes to this day. Throughout his career his work centered around tinkering, problem solving, and inventing, with him having over 30 patents credited to him over the years.

In his personal time, his competitive streak underscored many of the activities he enjoyed. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors. He was a National Ski Patrol member and First Aid Instructor. He also enjoyed games of strategy like chess and checkers, card games like pinocle, which he could be found playing after almost every family holiday meal with his sons, and yard games like croquet. He loved dancing, from the waltz to the tango to the samba, even teaching it to others with his long-time partner and friend, Mary Lou. He also enjoyed playing tennis, playing the trombone, and enjoyed gardening in his spare time.

He was predeceased by his parents, his siblings, Ed Behr, Jim McCormick, and Joyce Werner (McCormick); his former wife and the mother of his children, Eileen Behr; his son, Jefferey Behr; and his grandson, Jason Cook. He is survived by his children, Kathleen DeVet (Behr), Mark and Jim Behr; his grandchildren, Felicia Strejc, Daniel Dumbra, Savanah Crist, Josh Behr and Eden Behr; great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Everly, Stevie and Benicio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

No memorial service is planned. Memorial contributions may be offered to an organization of one's choice.

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