Philip Theodore Behm

Philip Theodore Behm, comforted by the presence of his beloved wife and daughters, was called home on Thursday, July 18, 2024 to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Phil was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 4, 1953, to Theodore Behm and Phyllis Billiar Behm Ruhter, and later moved with his family to Buhl, Idaho.

As the oldest of five children, he acted as teacher, mentor, and friend to his siblings; roles that he embraced with kindness, love, and humor throughout his life. He worked hard on the family farm, but made time for shenanigans too. With his friend’s help, Phil once built a non-OSHA approved tunnel system in the middle of a stack of hay bales, and let his little sister explore under supervision. Phil also had a love of music, and taught himself to play the guitar. He and one of his sisters formed a singing group with two friends, performing at various functions around town. He inspired one of his brothers to start playing by giving him a guitar and music books. As an adult, Phil made memories with his brothers, son-in-law, nephews, and grandsons on Behm Boys camping trips and ATV/dirt bike rides. After darkness fell he would engage in deep talks about God’s incredible creations and the wondrous life He formed, and would speculate what heaven would be like. Phil certainly knows now.

Phil graduated from Buhl High School in 1971, attended the College of Southern Idaho, then earned a Political Science degree from the University of Idaho in 1976. After graduation he resided in Twin Falls, Idaho and became a proud father to two daughters, later moving his family to Boise, Idaho.

In 1985 he started his career in Customer Service with Idaho Power Company in Boise, and rose up in the company to the position of Administrative Resources Leader, where he managed several departments. Phil enjoyed his work there and the people he interacted with, and was fortunate enough to be on a project with a fellow employee named Laura Schaefer. Phil and Laura soon fell in love and were married in 1996, and Phil gained another family with Laura’s parents, Robert and Theresa Schaefer, and Laura’s seven siblings.

Phil reluctantly gave up his job at Idaho Power because of medical issues due to lung disease caused by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. On May 5, 2001, Phil received the precious gift of a lung from a man he later learned was named Mark and who had lived by JOY; Jesus, Others, Yourself. Over the years, Phil often said that when he got to heaven, he looked forward to shaking Mark’s hand.

In 2003 Phil and Laura became founding members of Heritage Bible Church in Boise. Phil found joy and fulfillment serving the Lord in several positions and was the church’s business manager until his death. He cherished fellowship and friendship with other members of this growing church, and made dear friends throughout the years.

Despite his health challenges, Phil created wonderful memories with Laura, his two daughters Lindsey and Ashley, their husbands, and their four grandchildren. Lindsey’s earliest memories of her dad were when he would throw her on the bench seat of his old pickup truck and they would make dump runs together, listening to either classic 70s rock or classical music. She felt like the most important person to him during those times - like his little sidekick.

Ashley remembered how her dad used to take her to the grocery store and let her pick out some “penny candy”, the ones in the jar. All the staff at Albertsons knew his name, and she was sure most of the women had huge crushes on him, saying he looked like Tom Selleck. He knew and remembered most people he ever met, and when he talked to someone, he made them feel like the most important person in the room. He never knew a stranger.

Phil and Laura bought acreage in Donnelly they christened McDonnelly just as the Covid-19 shutdown began. It was a blessing as now there was a place the family could safely be together to protect their health and especially Phil’s. They loved sitting around at the campsite and listening to all of Phil’s stories.

Phil was drawn to anything with wheels and a motor so no one was surprised when he brought home his first ATV mountain toy, Big Grizz. It brought him such happiness because it allowed him to be in God’s wondrous creation after his health kept him from exploring on foot. In true Phil-fashion he soon amassed a collection of ATV toys so all his loved ones could share in his joy.

“My favorite memory of Phil is every moment we spent together. Laughing, crying, holding each other tight with love and comfort. He was a strong, yet gentle man who always made me feel cherished, as I cherished him; my favorite place to be was in his arms. He was always the gentleman, courteous, and kind, holding the door open for me, helping me with my coat. Every moment together strengthened our marriage in some way. We relied on God to see us through all of our trials.”

“Breathe easy, my love.” – Laura

Phil was preceded in death by his grandparents, Julius and Alma Billiar, and Ernst and Elfrieda Behm, parents Ted Behm and Phyllis Ruhter, and in-laws Robert and Janet.

Phil is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Laura Behm, daughters Lindsey (Jerrod) Wallgren, and Ashley (Gavin) Haynes, and grandchildren Carter, Jett, Ella, and Crew. He is also survived by his siblings, Susan (Perry) Vance, Cathy Valenti, Marty (Sue) Behm, and Tom (Ruby) Behm, mother-in-law Theresa, and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

You are invited to pay respects with the family at Phil’s viewing on Sunday, July 28 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, held at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel, 5400 W Fairview, Boise, Idaho.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 29 at 3:00pm at Heritage Bible Church, 7071 W Emerald St., Boise, Idaho.

Donations in Phil’s memory can be made to:

• Heritage Bible Church
• 7071 W Emerald St.
• Boise, ID 83704

• Idaho Alpha-1 Community Outreach Inc.
• Larry and Diane Angell 
• 2265 W Seldovia St 
• Kuna, ID 83634