David H. "Curly" Behrendsen

David “Curly” Behrendsen passed away peacefully at home on January 23, 2026. He was born on August 20, 1937, to Winnifred and Edgar Behrendsen in Sandusky, Ohio.

David attended several schools, primarily in Sandusky, and graduated from Sandusky High School in 1955. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving on active duty from September 1955 through September 1959. After his discharge, he explored several career paths before settling into electronics, a field in which he had been trained during his military service.

On July 15, 1961, David married JoAnne Carol Frye, also of Sandusky. In March 1963, he was hired by NASA at Plum Brook Station near Sandusky. In the fall of 1967, he moved his family to Massillon, Ohio, to work for General Electric, where he was involved with large mainframe computer systems.

In 1980, David began working for Diebold, Inc. as a technical support specialist for ATMs. He later became a technical instructor and retired in 1999. During this time, he became widely known as “Curly,” as well as “Mr. 9000,” in recognition of his extensive knowledge of Diebold’s 9000-series ATM products.

In later years, David moved to Holmes County, where he worked as a driver for the Amish community. This chapter of his life was a great adventure for him, and he formed many lasting friendships. He returned to the Sandusky area in 2020 and was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.

David’s greatest passion was singing. He spent many years performing with the Akron Symphony Chorus, the Canton Symphony Chorus, the Greater Canton Men’s Chorus, and Gospel Meets Symphony, Akron. He also sang in church choirs wherever he lived, sharing his gift of music for more than 60 years.

On November 18, 2005, David lost his beloved wife, JoAnne, to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Alfred Behrendsen; and his sister, Lucy Howland.

He is survived by his daughters, Lori Behrendsen (son David Buse) and her husband Ford Olindo; Tami Gardner and her husband Brent, and son Anthony Gardner (son Lincoln Gardner) and Brendan Gardner and his wife Mandy Bankieris Gardner (sons Nolan & Weston Gardner); several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pfeil Funeral Homes in Sandusky.  A celebration of life will take place at a later date.  Memorials can be made to the Erie County Humane Society or The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.

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