Janis Behrends

Janis (Zipse) Behrends passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease January 11, 2017, Savoy, Illinois.  She was age 84.

Born in Duluth, Minnesota, February 8, 1932, Janis grew up in Mt. Sterling, Illinois and spent much time in her parents’ Gambles Store.  Before moving to east central Illinois, she graduated from Gem City College, Quincy.  In 1951 she married her high school sweetheart Richard (Dick) Behrends.  They celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Janis worked many years as the Unit 7 School District Bookkeeper and Executive Secretary to the School Board.  Her accomplishments included computerizing the district’s finances and payroll.  She diligently campaigned for passage of school bond issues and was pleased when improvements were approved.  In the 1970s she was organist for Temple Baptist Church and taught piano lessons.  Even as her health waned, music was her pleasure and comfort.  Janis practiced her faith, and enjoyed time with family and singing soprano in the church choir.  Travel was her hobby from boating on Illinois and Missouri lakes; to National Park vacations, Elderhostel weeks with each of the five grandchildren; and tours of Europe, Costa Rica and Alaska.  She was a member of First Baptist Church of Savoy.

Janis is survived by her husband who provided her loving final care and children:  Anita Craig (Dan), St. Louis, MO; Steven Behrends (Charlene), Naperville, IL; Sue Knapp (Gary) Omaha, NE; and Paul Behrends (Noreen), Foosland, IL; grandchildren:  Austin Craig, Whitney Craig, Ashley Behrends Landek, Tyler Knapp and Emma Knapp; great-grandchildren:  Reagan Landek, Carter Craig and Mila Knapp; sisters Sharon Fesler, DeKalb, Illinois and Carlene Audrey Harris, Jupiter, Florida; and nieces and nephews.  Janis’ parents, Ila and Harold Zipse, preceded in her death.

A memorial service is planned for First Baptist Church at Savoy on January 20.  A graveside service will be held at the Hersman Cemetery, Hersman, Illinois, January 21, 11:00 am.  Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Research.

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is assisting the family with the local arrangements.