Charles R. "Chuck" Behrends

Charles R. Behrends, 82, of Rockford passed away September 6, 2018. Chuck was born July 29, 1936 in Brownstown, IL to Detrich and Sylvia (Durbin) Behrends. After the death of his mother, Chuck was raised by his aunt and uncle, Emily and Eric Augustine of Decatur, IL. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1954. He went on to graduate from Western Illinois University with a B.S. in Education. He received nine varsity letters: four in basketball, four in baseball, and one in tennis. He was also 2nd team All American for basketball in 1958, and that team went 27-1 and took second place in the NAIA National Tournament. In 1965 he received a M.S. in education from Northern Illinois University.
Chuck signed a small bonus contract as a pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals. He played for three seasons in the minor leagues before a pinched nerve ended his baseball career. During his stint with the Cardinals, he compiled a record of 22 wins and 11 losses. He was an avid Cub fan. He coached high school basketball at Macomb, Leaf River, and Sycamore. In 1965 he and his family moved to Rockford where he served in numerous capacities at Rock Valley College: teacher, head men’s basketball coach, head of the physical education department, athletic director for men’s and women’s sports, golf instructor, math instructor, and ran pitching clinics for young athletes. After retiring from RVC Chuck continued to be involved in Rockford athletics. He coached girls’ and boys’ golf at Guilford High School. He’s been elected into five Halls of Fame. Chuck was proud of his athletic prowess. He was an avid golfer and recorded four holes in one. Chuck Behrends was a talented teacher and coach who influenced the lives of many young people. He was an enthusiastic motivator who loved teaching and coaching. Chuck was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family more than anything. He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Pat and three sons, David and Randy of Las Vegas, NV and Chad of Pewaukee, WI; grandchildren Alex Colombi, Zachary and Austin Behrends, Brittany Behrends, and Peyton Behrends; and three great grandchildren.

Funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel and will continue on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.