Wilbur John "Bill" Behrends

Wilbur was born June 3, 1934 in Limestone Township, Peoria County, the son of Edward R. and Lydia Sutter Behrends . He was united in marriage to Sandra L Zerwekh on April 27, 1963 at Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-one years; two children, Shawn E (Dawn) Behrends of East Peoria, Kellie D. Brill of Arizona; five grandsons, Michael K. Smallberger, Joshua and Jacob Hittle, and Jared and Gavin Hinton; one brother, Henry ”Hank” (Mary Jane) Behrends of Kincaid; one sister, Margaret “Marge” (Lou) Kirkham of Germantown Hills; one sister-in-law, Michelle “Micky” Behrends of Peoria; many nieces and nephews; and many grandpuppies and kittens.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gerald “Jerry” Behrends; and one sister, Reka Endicott.

He worked for thirty-five years at Lauterbach Lumber Company. He also did concrete work for Mel Allen and Brian Allen. Wilbur was a farmer in the Bartonville area for over forty years.

He was an army veteran and member of the American Legion Post 979. He was a 32nd degree Master Mason. Wilbur was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. He served on the church board and was an Emeritus member of the Cemetery Board.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 23, 2014 at St. John Lutheran Church. Rev. Michael Jones will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 1-3:00 p.m. June 22, 2014 and an hour prior to services also at the church.

Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Burial of ashes will be in St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, general fund or cemetery fund.

To view Wilbur’s memorial page or leave an online condolence please go to www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com