Frederick George “Ted” Behrens, 77, of Gillespie, died on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, at 8:16 p.m. at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, surrounded by his loving family.
Visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie. Funeral services will follow, beginning at 2 p.m. at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gillespie with Pastor Stefan Munker officiating. Burial will be held at the family plot located at Gillespie City Cemetery.
Mr. Behrens was born Oct. 7, 1945, in Waukegan, to Dr. Frederick A. “Ted” and Mary (Haddad) Behrens.
He graduated from Gillespie High School in 1963 and attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville before bravely answering the call of his country to join the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965.
Mr. Behrens served in “America’s Battalion,” The Trinity, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. He was deployed to central Vietnam in 1965, where he served valiantly protecting his brothers in arms in Chu Lai and Da Nang. His service to his country was dually a great sense of personal pride and the continuance of a proud family tradition, with his father serving in WWII and his grandfather in WWI.
Upon returning home from the Vietnam War, he began work as an architectural draftsman/estimator in St. Louis, where he later retired.
More than work, Mr. Behrens enjoyed most his many hobbies and especially time with his family. He always chose family over material gain and made incredible effort to be at every event to support his “kids,” his nieces and nephews. He truly understood the value in quality time and unconditional love.
He was an incredibly gifted musician. He began playing piano at age six and never stopped. Ray Charles was a great inspiration to his music, among many others. His favorite song was What’d I Say. He also played guitar and keyboard for many years in the local band, Fat Chance, which had recently returned from retirement. He said he was like “a kid in the candy shop,” having the opportunity to entertain the audience once again.
Mr. Behrens enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing and watching football and baseball. He was an avid fan and could often be found on gameday tailgaiting the Illinois Illini, St. Louis Rams and St. Louis Cardinals.
He always had a passion for vehciles, reminiscing often of his yellow Corvette Stingray and later picking up a Harley Davidson motorcycle at age 50. He most recently aquired and had been restoring a beautiful 1969 Buick Riveria GS, his dream car.
Mr. Behrens was a brilliant mind and always up for an intellectual spar, especially if it had to do with politics, history, militia or strategy. He was a lifelong learner and had the great fortune to travel to many of the historic sites he loved learning so much about. He especially loved having the opportunity to attend many USMC reunions and spend time with his dear friends locally.
He was a member of Gillespie’s Zion Lutheran Church, which was co-founded by his great-grandparents. It is no surprise he was voted “most popular” in high school. His boisterous laugh, beautiful hazel eyes, toothy grin and booming voice charmed all. Although someone in life who exhibited exceptional humility, his family knows him for the American hero, the family patriarch, protector, father and grandfather figure, and the all-around brilliant and loving man he was.
Mr. Behrens’ loyalty, dependability, generosity, support and investment in his family at any and every change he had, appreciation for life, intellectual curiosity, lifelong selflessness and duty to his country and fellow people are all examples not only for all to follow, but are an incredible legacy of a life dedicated to making the world a better place to live.
He will be ever remembered and profoundly missed as the light in his family’s life. As you requested, we cheer your wonderful life and everlasting impact on us. Your kids and your family love you dearly. Until we meet again.
Mr. Behrens is survived by his sister, Pamela “Pam” Schaefer of Hillsboro; his kids (nieces and nephews), Janeen (Mike) Griewing of Edwardsville, Danelle (Buddy) Bartels of Mahomet and Thomas “Tommy” (girlfriend Ashley) Justison of Hillsboro; two great-nieces, Marinne and Estella Bartels; three great-nephews, Kameron Bartels and Brayden and Eastyn Griewing; and many wonderful friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; niece, Krista Schaefer; uncles, Carl (Harriet) Behrens, Alfred (Irene) Haddad and Alex (Margaret) Haddad; aunt, Vanita Haddad; and several cousins.
Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association, Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.kravanyafuneral.com.
