Crystal Lake, Illinois
CRYSTAL LAKE – James R. "Jim" Behrens, 63, a lifelong resident of Crystal Lake, passed away Saturday, May 8, 2010, at Centegra Hospital – Woodstock after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Dec. 27, 1946, in Woodstock, to Robert W. and Ruby M. (Legel) Behrens. He was united in marriage to Cynthia M. Rudden on June 7, 1980, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake.
He was a big man with a big heart who touched the lives of many people. He was "Pops" to many who knew him and loved him.
He worked for Seegers Grain and then Crystal Lake Disposal until 1977. He then worked as a truck driver for Boncosky Transportation becoming Enterprise Transportation from 1977 until November 2006. He retired from Teamsters Local 301 in Waukegan on January 2009, after an injury.
He joined the Crystal Lake Fire/Rescue Department in June 1968 where he was a proud member for more than 40 years. The fire department personnel was his "second family," where he was a friend and mentor to all.
He was a member of the Crystal Lake Union Cemetery Association Board for the past 15 years. He also was a well-respected man in the Crystal Lake area farming community.
After retiring in 2009, he spent his "spare time" farming and hauling grain with three of his sons.
He was proud of all his sons for what they had accomplished, and for the men they had become. His grandchildren were the light in his life.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy; his loving sons, David, Donald (Kim), Ronald "Rerun" (Michele), Randy and Timothy (Magee) Behrens; his cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Jacob, Allison, Paige, Emma, Jared, Shea and Lilly Behrens; his beloved mother, Ruby Behrens; his dearest brothers, Thomas (Jean) and Robert (Elizabeth) Behrens; his father-in-law, Raymond Rudden; several loving nieces and nephews; his former wife, Delores (Pfingsten) Pedersen; and his best friend, Wayne Nordbrock.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert W. Behrens on July 7, 1969; and his mother-in-law, Barbara Rudden on Oct. 14, 2007.
The visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Route 176), Crystal Lake. The visitation also will be from 9 a.m. until the 10 a.m. service Thursday, May 13 at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Crystal Lake Union Cemetery.
In lieu flowers, donations can be made to James R. Behrens Firefighter Memorial Scholarship, c/o Homestate Bank, 40 Grant St., Crystal Lake.
Visit davenportfamily.com, where online condolences can be left for the family.
For information, call the funeral home at 815-459-3411.
Cindy ...
There is no doubt that Jim was loved and adored by so many people. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Lynne
Lynne Ayton
May 13, 2010
Cindy and family - I am sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. My sincerest condolences.
-Glenn
May 12, 2010
Yes, Jim was a big guy with a big heart and just a plain good guy. I remember him as being happy and unflappable. Even in high school he seemed to have a sense of the direction he wanted his life to take.
My condolences to his family.
Jeanette Vlcek
CLCHS '65
May 10, 2010
Dear Cindy & Family: We are saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a great guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Bob&Cindy Denny
Bob Denny
May 10, 2010 | Crystal Lake, IL
George Leone
May 10, 2010
He was a member Of our family at Crystal Lake disposal & a fellow friend at fire calls. Thanks to him we have some great memories m& he will be sorely missed. We are sorry that we cannot attend the service but we willbe in North Dakota. Our prayer and thought are with you.
Bob & Dee Veugeler
May 10, 2010
Cindy, Randy and all the rest of the family, our prayers are with you. Heartbroken to hear the news but what a wonderful full life he had with all of you. Our thoughts are with you. Kim Stephen, Al, Carlie and Bill Dobbeck.
May 10, 2010
Jim & I were HS classmates - class of '65. Although I did not know Jim as well as I would have liked, I always admired Jim for his positive & generous attitude he had for everyone. Jim was always thought of as "a really nice guy" with his wide grin that would make you smile with him. Jim & I were married at the same church in CL -Bethany Lutheran.
Our HS class is planning their 45th reunion in Oct. and Jim's absence will be a deep void for all who knew him.
Jim, you will be...
Greg Adrian
May 10, 2010 | Wichita, KS
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
The Breakers Restaurant
May 10, 2010 | Crystal Lake, IL
