Thomas Joseph Behrens

Thomas Joseph Behrens, 78, of Wilmette, IL, passed away on April 14, 2024.

Tom was a loving father, husband, grandfather, brother and friend known for his concern for his fellow men & women, his generosity and kind spirit.

Tom was caring and compassionate. It was his passion for those who needed help most that guided him into his primary professional accomplishment, founding The Night Ministry, an organization committed to helping the underserved in Chicago. He was president and CEO for 45 years before retiring to spend time with family.

He is survived by his son Zachary Thomas Behrens and Zach's partner, Dana Kimberly Blair; daughters Alison Alana Haduch and Adrienne Marie Murtaugh, and sons-in-law David Benjamin Levin and Timothy Joseph Murtaugh IV; grandchildren Jack Stanley Haduch, Beckett Thomas Murtaugh and Timothy Joseph Murtaugh V; and brother Larry Behrens. Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife Siria and his brother Robert Behrens. Tom attended Lake Forest High School and the University of Illinois.

He had a successful career as a mortgage banker before leaving the financial sector to begin a career in ministry. Tom received his doctorate at McCormick Theological Seminary, which led him into the primary work of his life: founding in 1977, along with four churches on the north side of Chicago, the Northside Ecumenical Night Ministry, later renamed The Night Ministry.

Tom was a 2006 Illinois Lincoln Laureate and a 2006 Chicago Magazine "Chicagoan of the Year".

Tom worshipped at Northfield Community Church and enjoyed hobbies such as reading, discussing politics, reflecting on his college soccer days at U of I, going to the movies and writing poetry. He cherished spending time with family and traveling often to beautiful California. Services for Tom Behrens will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Night Ministry: https://www.thenightministry.org.

Tom will be deeply missed by all who knew him.