Born March 29, 1938 in Pekin to Melvin John and Vera (McDonald) Behrends, Sr., he married June Kay Leslie on July 2, 1966 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Stacey D. (Brian) Brienen of Pekin; one son, Shawn Leslie Behrends of Pekin; two grandsons, Joshua (Alyssa) Brienen and Jayson (Rebecca) Brienen; four great-grandchildren, Conner Brienen, Bryse Brienen, Case Brienen and Emersyn Brienen. He also leaves his brother-in-law, John (Janice) Leslie of Las Vegas, Nevada; one sister-in-law, Jan Leslie of Tremont and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marilyn Thome and Joan Stickle.
Mel was a 1956 graduate of Pekin Community High School and later graduated from Illinois Central College with his Associates Degree. He also had served in the United States Air Force.
He worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 42 years, retiring in 1999 as a training instructor.
Mel was a devoted member of Pekin Bible Church, where he was a Deacon and served as Treasurer for 12 years. He also served the church as an usher, choir member and had formerly taught children’s church. He enjoyed being part of the Locust Grove Bible Study for many years and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Angler’s Society.
His favorite activity was supporting and being at his grandson’s sporting events.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Chad Nightingale will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pekin Bible Church, 2405 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
