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Celebrating the life of
Robert W. Behrens
September 01, 1936 - January 27, 2020
Robert “Bob” Behrens passed away quietly on January 27, 2020 at the age of 83, probably the first thing he did quietly, after a short battle with pneumonia and complications from Parkinson’s. Before Parkinson’s affects, Bob would have told you to call him “The Old Geezer”. Bob had such capacity for love and would talk with people whom many others would overlook.
Bob was born September 1, 1936 in Lancaster, Ohio to Minerva Murphy and Richard Behrens, although he would tell you that his stepfather John Ruckman was more like “Dad”. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years, Roseann Behrens, and daughters Hilary Behrens and Janna Behrens, grandson Alex Behrens, granddaughter Mia Behrens, and great grandson Greyson Behrens.
Bob dedicated 26 years of his life to the US Army and retired in 1984 as Lieutenant Colonel. His military journeys took him to Seattle, WA; Indianapolis, IN; Munich and Frankfurt, Germany; and back home to Ft. Sheridan, IL where he first met his lovely wife. Upon his retirement, he relocated his family to Windham, NH where he worked at Tufts University, Catholic Charities of NH and the Archdiocese of Boston. He would tell you the best part of retiring was his stint as house husband, where he made dinners for the family and supported his daughter Hilary, by caring for his grandson Alex. He also spent significant time volunteering at Goldenbrook School in Windham and Neighbors in Need in Lawrence, MA. His family, faith, and service were everything to him.
His wife and two daughters, and caregivers Tonianne Walsh and Connie Polk, were by his side when he gently passed. He had his sense of humor intact, even in the end, telling Tonianne she “can’t boss him around” while he is in the hospital. Bob was blessed to have love surrounding him all of this life.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel followed by the Rosary at 6:30 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2020 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Such sadness surrounds us with Bob's passing. He was such a kind and vibrant man. He will be missed by many. Prayers and peace to Roseanne, Jana and Hilary.
- Deb Hanzel, Savannah, Georgia
I'm so, so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping Janna and her family in my thoughts during this difficult time.
- Lisa Johnson, Keene, NH
I will always remember Mr. Behrens with a gleem in his eye and ready for mischief. He always made me feel part of his family.❤️
- Sarah Goodwin, Sturbridge, MA
Bob was a lovely,compassionate, gentle man who possessed a genuine and comforting grace.I met Bob six years ago when I fell deeply in love with his daughter Janna,which was around the same time that Bob and Roseann moved to Savannah.I will always recall his amazing staring contests which were HILARIOUS to observe and participate in.I never saw him "lose" a staring contest.Bob was an eye-contact guy,engaged and quick with a smile or a teasing joke.But genuine and loving jokes,always.I saw up-close how this proud and dedicated man loved his wife,daughters, and (great)grandchildren with unconditional support and the very occasional sage advice.He was universally loved.Bob was one of my favorite people and I will miss him dearly...
- Ian E. Inch, Montague Center, Massachusetts
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Behrens was a wonderful man!
- Adrianna Hemingway, Springfield, Massachusetts
Always with a heavy heart you need to say goodbye. He was blessed to be able to have his family by his side when he drifted off. He will be welcomed into heaven with open arms and will be the brightest shining star you see in the sky. Forever watching over you. Thinking of your entire family at this difficult time
- Nicole Acres, Salem, NH
As Bob's surrogate daughter, it is with such joyful memories that I remember Bob. He was kind supportive and loving. I loved how he always knew exactly how long he had been married... right to the hour!! Roseann, you are a lucky lady!!! Bob is home now. See you soon Bob!!
- Kathleen and Joe MacLean, Houston, Texas
Sending you all love and light ❤️
- Jessica Scalese, Billerica, MA
Please accept my sincerest condolences. It was such a pleasure working with Bob at Neighbors in Need. He was always so upbeat, God will accept him for all the good he has done. May God embrace you in comfort at this .difficult time
- Carolyn Gill, Methuen, MA
Dear Roseann and Family. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved husband,and father Bob. He was a very loving and special man. Sincerely Joe Buckley, trumpet player at St. Matthews in Windham.
- Joe Buckley (Trumpet), Center Barnstead, NH 03225
Roseann you know how much we will miss Bob he was such a friend through the years. Rest Bob with God.
- Russ & Joan Gebo, Windham, NH
I was sincerely sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I really enjoyed knowing Bob and having him as a friend. Harley Mohr
- Harley Mohr, Hutchinson, MN
A very nice tribute to a dear friend. I look forward to the day when I can be reunited with him in the presence of our Lord. Thank you Bob for your friendship, thoughtfulness, and generosity. I know when we meet, I won’t be able to bring anything from the farm, but I am quite confident there will be a couple of chairs and our favorite ice cream flavors awaiting us both. No canes. No wheel chairs. And certainly no hoes. Lots of sunshine and a gentle breeze from the west. See you there Bob. Promise
- Johnson, Windham , NH
A very nice tribute to a dear friend. I look forward to the day when I can be reunited with him in the presence of our Lord. Thank you Bob for your friendship, thoughtfulness, and generosity. I know when we meet, I won’t be able to bring anything from the farm, but I am quite confident there will be a couple of chairs and our favorite ice cream flavors awaiting us both. No canes. No wheel chairs. And certainly no hoes. Lots of sunshine and a gentle breeze from the west. See you there Bob. Promise
- Johnson, Windham , NH
Thinking of you Roseann and your family at this time. I have such fond memories of Bob and exercise class with Kate.
- Cheryl Haas/Windham NH Recreation Dept, Windham , NH
We were saddened to hear of the passing of such a kindhearted and gentle man. We have missed our friendly neighbor. Wishing Roseann and family God’s blessings in your time of loss. May perpetual light shine upon Bob, and may he Rest In Peace.
- Anne & Daniel Sheahan , Windham , NH
I first met Bob years ago when he volunteered at Golden Brook School. I will never forget this man's beautiful smile and kind soul. He emanated all that is good in this world and I am truly grateful to have known him. I am so happy to know he will be honored at Arlington. May God bless his family and his soul.
- PATTI LETIZIO, Windham, NH
I just heard of Bob's passing and wanted to reach out. Bob was always ready with a smile and a story to share - what a wonderfully kind man. My sympathy to his family.
- Judi Kelly, Windham , NH
When we think of Bob it brings such happy memories and a huge smile to our faces. He was one of a kind and the world would be blessed with more people like Bob. We were back yard neighbors but that didn’t stop us from becoming like family. We had two young children and our families were “far away”. We were so lucky to find Janna to be our right and left arms with our kids. Who knew along with this wonderful teenager we would find surrogate grandparents for Matthew and Marissa. We will always remember Bob’s nurturing and warm ways that would always reassure us that everything would be okay. Thank you for always being you and forever will you bring a smile to our faces when we think of you.
- Joyce & David Miller, Manchester , Nh
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 5:00 to 6;30 pm on Thu, January 30, 2020
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
-
4605 Hwy 80 East (map)
Savannah GA 31410 - 912-898-0900
- Rosary
- 6:30 pm on Thu, January 30, 2020
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
-
4605 Hwy 80 East (map)
Savannah GA 31410 - 912-898-0900
- Mass of Christian Burial
- 1:30 pm on Fri, January 31, 2020
- St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
-
7020 Concord Road (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31410 - 912-897-5156