Daniel James Behle

Daniel was affectionately known as " The Fish Man" to many Fort Pierce locals.

Daniel was born on April 5th, 1951 in Kenton, Kentucky at St. Elizabeth Hospital to David John Behle and Wanda Lillian Harden (Behle). He played Quarterback on his football team at Newport Catholic High. After wrapping up High School, he decided to pack up shop (he decided Kentucky was too cold) and head south, so he didn't have to shovel snow anymore. He settled in Fort Pierce, Florida in 1970 because it had the best surf between Fort Lauderdale and Daytona. He remained in Fort Pierce for 56 years until he decided to pack up shop again and call God for a ride to Heaven on July 25, 2026.

Daniel was loved by many people who knew him. He was a funny, kind hearted man who also had a serious side when it was time to be serious.

Fish feared him. The fish knew they were no match for Daniel and his angling skills. They knew Daniel would get them and Daniel sure did get them.

Daniel worked for Indian River Food and then finished out his working career at Tropicana. He then retired to finally "work" full time for his true passion-- Fishing. Daniel made sure he was on the water almost every single day in his Jon Boat and enjoyed his life and retirement to the fullest extent.

He was a regular at Little Jim, the treasured local watering hole of Fort Pierce. You could find him every Saturday there, smiling and laughing with other locals wearing his iconic white rubber fishing boots and telling fishing stories.

Daniel was also very strong willed and stubborn. He battled Stage 4 Throat Cancer for 4 years with the help of Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and came out victorious. He stubbornly told Cancer, " No, thanks, Dawg", and bodly declared to Cancer that he would go to Heaven on his own terms. He then lived 7 more years cancer free before deciding to make that call to God and passing away peacefully at home in his sleep on his own terms and as he desired.

Daniel was greeted in Heaven by his parents Wanda Lillian Harden-Behle and David John Behle. His good friends Walter "Walt" Rader, Earl "Lucky" Stokes and Clarence Reynolds Jr also saw him walk into Heaven, they ran over and greeted him by giving him a beer.

Daniel's killer sense of humor and legacy continues with his two children: Daniel James Behle Jr. and Dana Behle. His brothers David Behle and Dennis Behle. His sister Kim Behle. His wife of 37 years, Remedios "Medy" Behle. His two grandchildren Daniel James Behle the 3rd and Colton James Johnson. His many nieces and nephews in Kentucky and the Philippines. And his dear friend Lowell Gerhardt.

Daniel was someone who always wanted people to be happy and to remember that sorrow is temporary. His final requests for those who read this is to love, laugh as often as possible and stay true to yourself, your faith and pray.

But most importantly, as Daniel would say, " Fish on, Dawg!"

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Haisley Funeral Home, Fort Pierce.  Private burial will take place at White City Cemetery.