Robert "Bob" Behrends

Robert Raymond “Bob” Behrends, age 68, of Mt.Sterling, passed away at 12:57 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at his residence.

He was born June 16, 1952 in Pontiac, Illinois the son of Robert J. and Marilyn Joan Root Behrends.  He married Cynthia Smith on January 15, 1986 in Palmyra, Missouri and she survives. 

Mr. Behrends had worked at Dot Foods in Mt. Sterling, PACTIV in Jacksonville, Timewell Tile in TImewell, Illinois and Electric Wheel in Quincy, Illinois for several years.  Earlier in life he was engaged in farming.  

He graduated from Brown County High School with the class of 1970.  

Mr. Behrends was a veteran of the Vietnam War having served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1972 until 1973.  He then joined the United States Army Reserves and served his country over the next several years while being stationed in Germany and also serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mt. Sterling where he was AWANA and JUMP Leader for over 20 years.  

Bob enjoyed hunting, gardening, was a NASCAR fan and enjoyed participating in demolition derbies. 

Survivors include his wife Cynthia Behrends of Mt. Sterling.  9 children Bradley Bowman (Jody) of Virginia, Illinois, Matthew Hart of Mt. Sterling, Michele Follis (Eric) of Mt. Sterling, Bobbi Sipes (Corey) of Rushville, Illinois, Christopher Behrends (Becky) of Virginia, Illinois, William Hart (Keyondra) of Beardstown, Illinois, Beth Behrends (Fiance, Kevin Shade) of Virginia, Illinois, Joseph Behrends (Sandra Wisley) of Mt. Sterling and Scott Behrends of Mt. Sterling.  1 brother Tony Behrends of Mt. Sterling.  2 sisters Barbara Christner (Larry) of Timewell, and Nancy Steinecke of Houston, Texas.  1 step brother Steve Spencer (Barb) of Middleton, Texas.   2 step sisters Patricia Spencer (Clark Yates) of Rushville, Illinois and Sue Trone of Florida.  25 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren also survive and he was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 26th grandchild.   

He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 step brother Robert Spencer. 

Private funeral services with only the family attending will be held in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Pastor Aaron Hughes officiating.  Friends are able to watch Robert’s services streaming live at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 on the funeral home website at hendrickerfuneralhome.com.  

Burial will follow in the Hersman Cemetery.  A military service will be conducted at the graveside.   

A public visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. 

Social distancing guidelines will be observed and there will be a limit of 50 visitors at any one time.  With the current health concerns, non-physical expressions of condolence are suggested.  Please wear a mask and consider refraining from hugs and handshakes, but know that your presence is greatly appreciated. 

Memorials are suggested to the family. 

Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hendrickerfuneralhome.com. 

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

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert "Bob" Behrends, please visit our floral store.