Robert Behrens

Robert Gerald "Bob" Behrens, 84, of Carroll, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on July 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at St. Augustine’s Church in Halbur. Father Terry Roder will celebrate the Mass. Mass Servers are Aiden Handlos and Aubrey Behrens. Doug Wanninger is the Lector. Claire Behrens and Mauri Behrens will be Gift Bearers. The Eucharistic Ministers are Vern Behrens and Joea Kemper. The Casket Bearers are Grant Behrens, Lane Miller, Gavin Sowada, Drew Sowada, Shane Schutt and Bill Thobe. The Tuesday Morning Halbur Card Group will serve as Honorary Casket Bearers. Burial will be in St. Augustine’s Cemetery with Military Honors by the Arcadia American Legion. A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at St. Augustine’s Church in Halbur, with a Rosary at 4:30 p.m. and a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will be held from 9:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at church on Friday prior to the Mass Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Robert’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com. Bob was born on May 8, 1942, in Carroll, Iowa, to Cyril and Helen (Reiman) Behrens. He was raised in Halbur, where he attended St. Augustine Grade School before graduating from Kuemper Catholic High School in 1960. Shortly after graduation, Bob proudly served his country in the Iowa National Guard. His commitment to service continued throughout his life as a devoted member of the Arcadia American Legion for 60 years, where he also faithfully served with the Color Guard. From an early age, farming became more than Bob's occupation—it became his way of life. He farmed alongside his father while also driving truck for Neppl Trucking and working at Halbur Hardware. His greatest blessing came when he met the love of his life, Audrey. Together they shared 56 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and the land they loved. They raised five sons on their family farm, located five and a half miles south of Halbur, where they made their home beginning in 1976. In June 2025, they moved to Carroll, carrying with them a lifetime of cherished memories. In 1994, Bob faced one of life's greatest challenges when he was diagnosed with colon and liver cancer. Through faith, determination, and God's grace, he overcame the disease and was blessed with 32 additional years. Those years became a precious gift, allowing him to watch his family grow, continue doing the work he loved, and enjoy the simple moments that meant the most. Bob lived a life defined by humility, integrity, and an unwavering work ethic. He never sought recognition, but those who knew him admired his dependability, quiet strength, and willingness to lend a helping hand. Whether in the field, at church, in the community, or around the kitchen table, Bob led by example. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose family was the greatest joy and accomplishment of his life. While farming was Bob's lifelong passion, he also knew how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid golfer, participating in men's league, couples league, and countless weekend rounds with friends. He enjoyed fishing whenever he had the opportunity, appreciating the outdoors. Bob also played slow-pitch softball with the Halbur Oldtimers and rarely passed up an opportunity for a spirited game of pitch. His daily, sometimes multiple, trips to Halbur became legendary, providing the perfect excuse to visit lifelong friends, share stories, and enjoy a competitive card game over a cold pop. In his later years, Bob found special satisfaction in mowing the farmyard and proudly serving as the self-proclaimed "grain cart engineer" while helping his son Kevin during harvest, staying closely connected to the land and way of life he loved. Bob believed deeply in serving his community. He was a member of the Carroll County Pork Producers, dedicated many years to the Carroll County Fair Board, and was honored with induction into the Carroll County Fair Hall of Fame in recognition of his service. He was also a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus. Bob's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched with his kindness, generosity, and steadfast example. He taught those around him that the true measure of a person is found not in what they possess, but in how they treat others, the family they nurture, and the values they leave behind. His quiet presence, gentle smile, and unwavering love will be deeply missed but never forgotten. He is lovingly survived by his wife of 56 years, Audrey Behrens; his five sons: Jeff (Kimberly) Behrens of Rice, Minnesota; Dan (Jennifer) Behrens of Manning, Iowa; Kevin Behrens of Manning, Iowa; Jerry (Jill) Behrens of Manning, Iowa; and Michael (Dezma) Behrens of Reno, Nevada. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Gavin, Drew, Grant, Claire, Lane, and Mauri, each of whom brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by his sister, Sandy Schutt; sister-in-law Virginia Behrens; sisters- and brothers-in-law Arlene Wanniger, Susie Sporrer, Wanda Sporrer, Lovonne Thobe, Marvin Thobe, Jan Weiland, Mel (Kathy) Sporrer, Joan Irlmeier, Betty (Tom) Klocke, and Bev (Paul) Klocke; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, lifelong friends, and his special Tuesday Morning Card Club. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Helen Behrens; his brother, Larry Behrens; his brother-in-law, Clint Schutt; his parents-in-law, Leonard and Sabina Sporrer; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law Don Wanniger, Marvin Sporrer, Jerry Sporrer, John Thobe, Bernice Thobe, Don Weiland, Joyce and Gary Irlmeier, Clete Sporrer, and Randy Irlmeier.

Robert Behrens

May 8, 1942 - July 13, 2026