Deane O. Behrends

Deane O. Behrends, 84, of Havana, passed away at Mason District Hospital in Havana at 10:21 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was born Jauary 1, 1931 in Peoria, IL to Edward and Ruth (Bishop) Behrends. He married Mary Vanderveen on August 2, 1959 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havana. Mr. Behrends is survived by his wife, Mary, of Havana, three daughters, Brenda (Steve) Davenport-Fornoff of Havana, Karen (Chip) Boggs of Springfield, Gail Behrends of Havana, one son, Brian (Lindsey) Behrends of Havana, seven grandsons, Kyle (Katie) Davenport, Travis (Rachel) Davenport, Ty Fornoff, Cameron and Cooper Boggs and Landin and Taylin Behrends. Also surviving is one sister, Jane (Gene) Sellier of Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, John Bishop Behrends, and son-in-law, Tommy Davenport. Mr. Behrends was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havana where he had held several positions. He served as an Army MP during the Korean War and later joined the American Legion and VFW in Havana. In April 2014, Deane, along with grandson, Kyle, went on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He was a 1948 graduate of Havana High School. He wrestled at Western Illinois University and later graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Agriculture. He taught at Balyki School. He was a co-founder of Kifco Inc. in Havana and worked there until his retirement in 2010. He also sold insurance for Pekin Insurance. He served on the Board of Directors at the Peoples State Bank of Manito. He enjoyed duck hunting and was a member of the Dry Hole Duck Club and Ducks Unlimited. He had been a member of NMLRA for 55 years. He had been a member of the Havana Optimist Club for many years. He rebuilt Willy’s Army Jeeps and enjoyed attending steam engine shows. Most of all, Deane loved spending time with his family. He had traveled the world with his wife. When he was near home he enjoyed spending his days at his cabin; chopping wood while visiting with his family and friends. Visitation will be held at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2015. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havana at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2015. Burial will follow the services at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Rev. Kevin Wendorf will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Veteran’s Honor Flight, Mason District Hospital, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or the HHS Booster Club. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Deane O. Behrends

January 1, 1931 - January 24, 2015

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