Gerald F. Behrens

Gerald F. Behrens, 71, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 5, 1945 in Peoria to Frederick and Kathryne (Zeigler) Behrens. He married Carol Ritchey on May 18, 1968 in Peoria.

His wife of 48 years, Carol, survives, along with two children, Denise (Stephen) Nolan of Lake City, Florida and Grant (Sandra) Behrens of Normal, Illinois; six grandchildren, John, Meghan, Kathryne and Danielle Thomson, Alex and Jon Nolan; one brother, Richard (Sharon) Behrens of Peru, Indiana and one sister, Linda Krider of Chillicothe, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Betty Jane Schlosser.

Gerald was a mechanic for 30 years at the International Paper Company. He later worked for Ox Paperboard Company in Pekin, last working Thursday. He also worked part time at Custom Graphics in Bartonville. He coached and was a board member for over 30 years for the Limestone Girls Softball Association. He was a Viet Nam Navy Veteran.

Funeral services will be Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 1:30 PM at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel. The Rev. Craig Hislope will officiate. Visitation will be from 4pm until 6pm Saturday at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Cremation rites will be accorded following services and inurnment will be at a later date in the St. Joseph Cemetery in West Peoria. Memorials may be made to a scholarship fund at the Limestone Community High School in Gerald’s memory. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.com.