LeRoy D. Behrens

Maybe his granddaughter said it best, “I thought superheroes live forever”?

Unfortunately, we all lost our superhero, LeRoy (Roy) Donald Behrens, age 95, when he passed away surrounded by his family at his home in Franksville, on October 31, 2018.

He was born on November 27, 1922 to Fred and Lillian Behrens in St. James, Minnesota. Roy joined the army in November, 1948, was transferred to the army reserve in December 1949 and honorably discharged in February 1954.

He married LaVerne Michel on July 7, 1951 and they had 4 children, sons Lee and Tom and daughters Cindy and Brenda.

Roy worked as a maintenance mechanic for James Cape and Sons Construction for over 30 years and retired in 1988. Roy also worked as an auto mechanic at Michel Brothers Garage during the construction off season for many years.

He was an avid Nascar fan and even motored an authentic race car and drove several laps around the Milwaukee Mile at age 88. At the time, the people that ran the track said he was the oldest individual driver to have accomplished that feat. His “Racing Experience” was a birthday gift from his children. Roy also enjoyed fishing and hunting with his friends and family and he liked watching the Green Bay Packers (if they were winning!)

The love he had for his wife and the pride in his children were ever present and he shared it for all to see. Roy is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, LaVerne, and beloved children, Lee (Shelly) Behrens, Tom (Terri) Behrens, Cindy (Jeff) Knepper, and Brenda (Dave) Prochnow.
His cherished grandchildren, Jami (Jesse) Radant, Danielle and Nicole Behrens, Tommy (Abbie) Behrens, Tim (Lynette) Behrens, Jessica (Aaron) Witynski, Amanda Knepper, Alex and Matthew Knepper, Tara and Alyssa Prochnow. His nine great grandchildren include Dash Behrens-Nikolish and Breanna Behrens, Elliotte and Rosalie Lux Behrens, Milo Knepper, Jaxon, Sterling, Amorina and Chase Witynski. He is further survived by brother-in-law David (Rose Marie) Michel and sister-in-law’s Marilyn and Eileen Behrens and Ramona Michel, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Roy was proceeded in death by his parents, Frederick and Lillian Behrens, sister, Delores Behrens; Brothers and sister-in laws, Marvin (Barbara), Forest (Mary), Wallace (Melva); Clifford (Eileen); Fred (Doris); and Ellsworth (Bud). Also proceeding him were brother-in-law’s and sisters-in-laws, Leo (Lorraine) Michel, Mike (Margie) Michel, Joe (June) Michel, Bill Michel; Rose (Norman) Buchmann, MaryAnne (Derle)Tuttle, Catherine (Elmer) Kastenson and Lawrence (Joyce) Michel.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at Heritage Funeral Home (9200 South 27th Street, Oak Creek, WI) from 4:00pm -7:00 pm and again on November 5, 2018 at St Louis Catholic Church (13207 County Road G, Caledonia) from 10:00 am-11:00 am. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday November 5, at St. Louis Catholic Church at 11:00 am.