Clayton L. Behrens, M.D. was called to his heavenly home May 11, 2008. He was born July 11,1919 on the ranch homesteaded by his grandfather on lower Spring Creek to Leo and Jessie Behrens where Clayton farmed and ranched with his family and cousins. Clayton graduated from Rapid City High School in 1937. He attended the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, the University of South Dakota and attained his doctorate of medicine from Temple University in Philadelphia. Clayton served his country during World War II as a captain in the United States Army. He completed his residency for his medical degree at Anker Hospital in St. Paul, MN. It was there that he met Edythe Klug. Clayton and Edythe were married on March 7, 1948 in Hales Corners, WI. They moved to Wessington Springs, SD where Clayton practiced medicine for a short time before relocating back to the country that he loved in Rapid City. He became a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and established himself as a general surgeon and family medicine practitioner in the Rapid City area for 36 years until he retired in 1988. During his career he served as Chief of Staff at what is now Rapid City Regional Hospital and served as President of the State Medical Association. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and in the past served as chairman of the congregation as well as an elder, a member of the board of trustees and the board of education. Many family vacations were spent in the Black Hills where he enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting, especially in the Sheridan Lake and Deerfield Lake areas. After his retirement, Clayton renewed his interests in fishing, gardening, golfing, and bowling. He and Edythe were active members of several bowling leagues through 2006.Clayton is survived by his loving wife, Edythe of 60 years, his sister Merle Egan of Sarasota, FL, three children, Peggy Behrens (husband Dennis Lively) of Rapid City, Gregory Behrens (wife Jennifer) of Tucson AZ, Carolyn Behrens of Rapid City, two step-grandchildren, 3 step-great-grandchildren and numerous cousins and friends. Memorials have been established to Regional Hospital Hospice of the Hills and Zion Lutheran Church and School