Lloyd J Behrens

Lloyd J. Behrens, 93, of Rockford, died Friday, January 2, 2015. Born April 26, 1921, in Sterling, IL, son of Fred and Emma (Folkers) Behrens, who preceded him in death as well as his loving wife Marian; daughter, Joan Vicari; and brothers Mason, Chester and Royce Behrens. Mr. Behrens attended Wallace Grade School and Sterling High School, graduating from Scovill Business College prior to serving in World War II, 90th Infantry Headquarters G-2 Section, Counter Intelligence. Went to Military Intelligence School, Paris, France. The 90th Infantry landed on D-Day, Utah Beach, Normandy, with General Patton, 3rd Army. Prior to serving overseas, Lloyd married Marian C. Benson on May 9, 1943, at Fourth Street Methodist Church, in Sterling, IL. Mr. Behrens participated in five Battles and Campaigns; Normandy, Northern France, Ardenns, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Mr. Behrens bought Moses Dillon Co., Cashway Lumber Co., located in Sterling, IL, in 1946. After 24 years, Lloyd sold the business and moved to Sedona, Arizona. There he owned Behrens Real Estate Appraisal Company for 30 years, before retiring to Rockford to be close to his family. Mr. Behrens was involved in community activities in Sterling-Rock Falls and was president of many of the following organizations; Sterling-Rock Falls Jr. and Sr. Chamber of Commerce, Sterling YMCA, Rock Falls Rotary, Rock River Country Club, East Coloma School, Woodland School, Sterling-Rock Falls Community Chest, Girl Scout Regional Drives, Sauk Valley Community College Advisory Committee prior to becoming a college. Survivors include daughter; Vivian (Curt) White, of Rockford, Susan (Raul) Escamillo, of Wellington, NV; 8 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Funeral service will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, with Pastor Bill Dahlberg officiating. Visitation will be 9:30 – 11:00 am, prior to service. A private burial will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lloyd’s honor to North Illinois Hospice, 4215 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL, 61108; or The Dove Neighborhood, River Bluff Nursing Home, 4401 N. Main St., Rockford, IL, 61103. Funeral arrangements are being cared for by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108. To express condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com