SR0294 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0294 LRB104 13464 MST 25889 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Mike Behrens of Ogden, who passed away on April 5, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Mike Behrens was born in Urbana to Gary L. and Connie (Sharp) Behrens on November 22, 1963; he graduated from the University of Illinois in 1993 and earned his master's degree from Eastern Illinois University in 2000; he married Kristie Baker in Royal on September 12, 1987; and

WHEREAS, Mike Behrens taught school at Deland-Weldon High School and coached for one year; he then taught at St. Joseph-Ogden High School, where he coached football, girls basketball, boys basketball, and boys baseball for 20 years; he taught math at Parkland College at night for nine years and then served as the director of the Assessment Center at Parkland College for 10 years; he served as Ogden Township Supervisor and, along with his brother, Doug, also had a catering business, Fat Stacks; and

WHEREAS, Mike Behrens was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Royal, where he previously served as the youth group leader, on the church council, and as council president; and

WHEREAS, Mike Behrens coached all of his children in various sports, including t-ball, baseball, softball, and basketball; he and his brother also competed in dart tournaments; he loved to ride his bike, and on his 61st birthday, he rode 61 miles; he also competed in a Spartan race with his son; and

WHEREAS, Mike Behrens enjoyed pheasant hunting with his son, brother, nephew, and cousins every year, making homemade pizza and trying new recipes, and health and fitness; he was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals; he was a hard worker and could fix anything; devoted to his family, he loved family vacations and being a grandpa; and

WHEREAS, Mike Behrens was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Mike Behrens is survived by his wife, Kristie; his children, Katelyn (Calvin) Carter, Jacob Behrens, and Abby Behrens; his granddaughter, Lilith "Lily" Carter; his brother, Doug (DeAnn) Behrens; his aunt, Sandra Criss; his brother-in-law, Blaine (Darcy) Baker; his nephew, Mason Behrens; his nieces, Anna Behrens (Adam Cass), Kylie (Dylan) Kaufmann, and Karlie Baker; and two great-nieces; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Mike Behrens and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mike Behrens as an expression of our deepest sympathy.