Gene R. Behrens Sr., age 72, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2022, at Silver Cross Hospital with loving family at his side. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Florence (nee Mundo), children, Gene Behrens Jr., Amy (Dan) Kluk, granddaughter, Gabby Kluk, brothers, Jerry, Brett (Leslie) and sister-in-law, Patricia. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Barbara (nee Freelove) Behrens, infant brother, Gerald (1952). Gene grew up in the Roseland neighborhood on Chicago's south side. He attended St. Nicholas Grade School and Mendel Catholic High School. Gene joined the U.S. Navy after marrying Florence in 1971 and was stationed in San Diego, California at Miramar Naval Station for a few years. After returning home, he worked for a bakery but soon began work as a laborer and eventually became an apprentice carpenter. Gene spent the rest of his career in carpentry and retired after 30 years. In his spare time, he would take trips to Hayward, Wisconsin to fish, play drums and cheer on the Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks. He also enjoyed travelling to places like California, Hawaii and Mexico. In his younger years, Gene played baseball and softball. He loved spending time with his family and took great joy in learning about history with his granddaughter Gabby. Visitation for Gene will take place on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, from 10:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home in Manhattan. Funeral Service will immediately follow at 12:30 P.M. also at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com