Robert “Bob” A. Behmer, 86, of Winnebago, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Saturday morning, February 20, 2021 at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Community. He was born March 18, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Ruth and Robert Behmer.
He graduated from York Community High School in 1952, and later from Elmhurst College. He was proud of his service in the U.S. Marine Corps from July 1953 until 1955; he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California and in South Korea. He then married Margaret Lofshult on June 20, 1956. Together they raised 3 daughters while he pursued his 8-year medical education; he graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1963.
Dr. Behmer’s passion for medicine and serving others was evident in his long medical career. He was in private practice in Rockford and Winnebago for nearly 40 years, and was known for his exceptional medical skills, loving patient care, and keen sense of humor. He served as Chief of Staff at Rockford Memorial Hospital, President of the Winnebago County Medical Society, on the staff at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, and on the Illinois State Medical Licensing Board. He enjoyed acting as physician at the Rockford Motor Speedway and for the Winnebago High School football team, as well as serving at Crusader Clinic.
He loved his farm, traveling with Margie, vintage cars, carpentry, and cake decorating. Friends and family were the happy recipients of many of his dollhouses as well as birthday and wedding cakes.
His passing is deeply mourned by Margaret, faithful wife of 65 years; five children and their spouses, Susan and Charles Waterfield, Catherine and Michael Larson, Carol and Jeffrey Colborn, Robert and Julie Behmer, and Elizabeth and Daniel Booker; sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Warren Schulstad; and brother-in-law Ed Sosniak. Thirteen grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren greatly miss their ‘Papa’.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Linda Sosniak, and brother Richard Behmer.
A private graveside service will be held at Winnebago Cemetery. A celebration of Dr. Behmer’s life will be held this summer.
The family appreciates all the true love that was shown to our dad by the staff at Mercy Health, Van Matre Rehabilitation, East Bank Center, and Fairhaven Christian Retirement Community.
Condolences may be sent to Margaret Behmer at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Community, 3470 North Alpine Road, Rockford 61114. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Rockford Rescue Mission.
Arrangements by Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.
Cemetery Details
Location
Westfield Rd.
Winnebago, IL 61088
