He was born in Effingham, IL April 16, 1944 the son of Rufus and Elverna (Koontz) VonBehren. He attended Stewardson-Strasburg schools and was the Valedictorian of the 1962 graduating class.
Dr. Von Behren attended the University of Illinois for his undergraduate work and was named on the Bronze Tablet award upon graduation in 1966. In 1966 he received his Phi Beta Kappa key, America’s prestigious academic honor society. He then attended medical school and was a 1970 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School. Dr. Von Behren did his residency and fellowship training in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease at the University Of Iowa College Of Medicine after which he accepted a faculty position at Southern Illinois University College of Medicine in Springfield IL. He served on the faculty until his retirement in 2001.
During his tenure at SIU he was a passionate teacher and lecturer sharing his knowledge with not only medical students, but also with fellow physicians and healthcare workers. He was a member of the Infectious Disease Society of America. He served in the United States Army as a physician at Ft. Polk, LA, recently renamed, Ft. Johnson from 1972-1974.
Dr. Von Behren enjoyed history. He was quite proud of the memorabilia of history that he had collected over the years. He was known for his in-depth knowledge of Lincoln, including intricate details of Lincoln’s debates with Douglas.
He served as a volunteer at Grace Food Pantry.
Larry married Sandra “Sandy” (Schroeder) Blake in Burr Ridge, IL April 28, 1996, and she survives. Also surviving are his two daughters; Jennifer (husband Steve) Von Behren-Carey and Rebecca VonBehren, both of Iowa City, IA, one granddaughter; Nora Rose Carey and one grandson Atticus Von Behren, a step-granddaughter, Victoria Bilyeu and his sister, Carol Von Behren, of Hobart, IN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a step-son, Kevin Blake.
Dr. Von Behren’s request for cremation rites will be honored by Bisch and Son Crematory.
A memorial gathering will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd. Springfield, IL on Monday, December 18, 2023 beginning at 9:30 am. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Joshua T. Traxel and Pastor Eric Stumpf officiating. Inurnment will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the Grace Food Pantry 714 E. Capital, Springfield, IL 62701, the Concordia Village Scholarship Fund 4101 W. Iles, Springfield, IL 62711, or Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd. Springfield, IL 62704
Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West. 217-544-5424
