Charles "Chuck" Edward Behmer Obituary (1939 - 2018)

Charles “Chuck” Edward Behmer, 79, of Durand, IL passed into the presence of Jesus on April 11, 2018 in his home while surrounded by his family. Chuck was born January 24, 1939 in Chicago, IL to William C. Behmer and Augusta B. (Williams) Behmer. He lived in the Chicago area until he left to attend Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL where he obtained his degree in teaching. While at NIU he met and married Lila L. Runyard on March 19, 1960. In 1964 he and his family moved to Durand, IL where Chuck taught at the Boys Farm School as a Science and outdoor education teacher. His love of nature and the outdoors influenced his career path and other interests as he enjoyed hunting and observing nature in all forms. He also loved bicycling, canoeing, painting signs, and spending time with his family. He loved teaching creation science to his children’s Sunday School class and working at the Men’s Recovery Program at Rockford Rescue Mission, until he retired in 2005. Chuck gave his life over to Jesus Christ in 1992 and made it his life’s mission to love and serve people. He was a member of Faith Community Church for nearly 30 years. Chuck dearly loved his church family. He is survived by his loving wife, Lila L. Behmer, Durand, IL; daughter, Laurie (Bob) Slocum; son Andy Behmer; grandchildren Ryan (Karli) Slocum, Tabbetha Poole, Billy Poole, Erin (Chris) Anderson, Julie Behmer, Nancy (Alex) Segura and Kaitlin (Daniel) Johnson and 15 great grandchildren whom he adored. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Douglas Behmer. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 21, 2018 in Faith Community Church, 212 W McKimmy St, Davis, IL with Pastor Bob Kolb officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 20, 2018. Cremation Rites will be accorded with final resting place to be in Durand Township Cemetery. McCorkle Funeral Home-Durand Chapel, 101 W Main Street, Durand, IL assisted the family. A memorial will be established.