Sharon L. Behrens

Sharon Behrens, of Mt. Carroll, IL, passed away Thursday, January 13th, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 18th, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mt. Carroll. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. To 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial will take place in the Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends are invited to watch the service at 1:00 p.m.. on Facebook live at this link, https://www.facebook.com/groups/441258927725662

Sharon was born July 8th, 1939, daughter of Earl and Ida Randecker. She grew up on a farm outside of Mt. Carroll, helping her father with the chores. She attended Mt. Carroll High School and graduated with the class of 1957. In High School Sharon met the love of her life, Donald Behrens. Soon after graduation the couple got married. Together, Sharon and Donald celebrated 46 years of marriage and raised six children.

While Sharon was raising her children she stayed home on the farm, to help with chores and the kids. As her children grew up she began working at local factories including Elkay, and Swiss Colony, where she worked for over 20 years. She was a long time member of the 4-C’s group and the church women’s group WELCA. At the Behrens house, Sundays where days for the family. After church the kids would take a trip to visit grandma, and the day always ended with Sunday Dinner.

Sharon loved to fish. Between trips she took with the family fishing in Canada, and her routine of fishing in ponds, lakes, and rivers in the Carroll County area, Sharon could often be found with a fishing rod close by. Her favorite fish to catch where blue gills and bass. Sharon was an avid moral mushroom hunter. She was known to protect her favorite mushroom spots, kicking out anyone who tried to take the morals from under her nose. Sharon also enjoyed a good sale. Whether it was a garage sale, auction, or flower sale at a local florist, Sharon would probably be there.

Sharon kept a garden for most of her life. She loved planting flowers and vegetables. Later in life she would plant beans and any other vegetables where she could find a place for them to grow. At the center of Sharon's life was her family. She loved being a mother, and especially loved time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her kind heart lives on in those she held close.

Sharon will be dearly missed by her five children, Michael G (Cindy Rekenthaler) Behrens of Savanna, IL, Dawn (Keith) Rath of Savanna, Lee (Myra) Behrens of Mt Carroll, Denise (Tim Wolber) Harridge of Mt. Carroll, and Diane (Mike) Haring of Elizabeth, IL; 14 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren; special friends, Dick (Richard) Kehl, and Becki Wilson; and her dog, Puppy. Sharon is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her son, Randy L. Behrens; her granddaughter, Elizabeth Rath; and her parents, Earl and Ida.