Jo-Anne Evelyn Behrens
“The most completely lost of all days, is the one in which I have not laughed.”
We lost the resounding happy laugh of Jo-Anne Evelyn Behrens, age 78 of Yorkville, IL, after a hard-fought battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, January 30, 2021. She was born on April 21, 1942 in Aurora, IL the daughter of Thomas and Evelyn (Marklein) Davis. She was an inquisitive, joyful child always enjoying new challenges.
Jo-Anne loved living on the farm and helping her dad with field work. She also enjoyed working on the neighboring farms with her father. She attended Yorkville Schools and graduated from Yorkville High School in 1960. Jo-Anne was united in marriage on March 25, 1961 to Mr. William John Behrens and they spent the next 59 years happily together. She was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Yorkville, IL, where she served on the church council and was a member of the altar guild. In her younger years she worked for Halbesma’s Restaurant and National Brush, but the job that gave her so much joy and happiness was working for the Golden Diners in Yorkville for 30 years. In addition to cooking meals, she loved celebrating the holidays and hosting parties at the Beecher Community Center. She was also there to help them through their difficult times. After her retirement, she continued to give presents to shut-ins for the holidays. Even during her final months, she continued to provide presents. Jo-Anne was presented with the “2002 Illinois Woman Achievement Award” for her dedicated service to her community. Jo-Anne and Bill spent many vacations traveling the United States in awe of our beautiful country. Whether camping on vacations or camping close to home, this was her favorite way to spend her time. The joy of her life was her family. She was always the first to help with party planning, wedding planning, or just having a picnic. Every gathering brought her much happiness. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt who will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.
Jo-Anne is survived by her husband, William Behrens, Sr. of Yorkville, IL; her children, Wendy (Sean) Drane of Plano, IL and William J. Behrens, Jr. of Yorkville, IL; her grandchildren, Dr. Thomas Strause of Louisville, KY, Brittany Strause, and Liam Behrens; her sister Connie Worley of Plano, IL; her sisters-in law, Rose King of Yorkville, Shirley (Mac) Cunningham of Texas, and Mary Hutzleman of California; her brother-in-law, Joe Behrens of California; several nieces and nephews; and her two special canine buddies, Missy and William.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Evelyn Davis; and her brothers-in-law, Earl Worley and Darrel King.
The family wishes to thank Divine Hospice of Yorkville, IL for their loving and gentle care of Jo-Anne and her family.
A Private Funeral Service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Yorkville, IL with a private interment to follow in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Yorkville, IL.
Friends may visit from 4:00 until 8:00 pm on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at the Nelson Funeral Home, 1617 North Bridge Street, Yorkville, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church Altar Guild or Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or (630) 553-7611.
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