Robert Behrens

Robert ""Bob""� Behrens, age 86 of Cozad, passed away July 16, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Bob was born September 12, 1925 at Cozad, Nebraska to Walter and Clara (Hock) Behrens. Bob graduated from Cozad High School in 1943. Bob loved showing cattle in 4H and had many purple ribbons and Grand Champion winners from the Nebraska State Fair and other events. Following his schooling, Bob helped his father farm for a few years before deciding to serve in the U.S. Army during WWII. During his service, Bob spent time in the South Pacific building airstrips and after the war ended, he was stationed in Japan for cleanup. Following his discharge, Bob returned to Cozad where he started his own excavating business, based largely upon the skills that he acquired during his time in the service. Later, Bob""s father joined him in business, and the two amassed a great number of excavating jobs all over Dawson County. Bob continued running his business until his health became prohibitive. On December 24, 1950, Bob married Marian Brenner at Cozad. The couple made their home in Cozad, and their union was blessed with 2 children, Susan and Mike. Bob was a charter member of the Cozad Elks Lodge 2250, and was proud to have attended their recent 50th Anniversary celebration. Despite his many ambitious work-related projects, Bob always placed a high priority on keeping a balance between work and his family. He valued spending time around the dinner table with his family; which was a tradition that stood the test of time. Bob enjoyed camping and fishing. He was an avid hunter, and especially loved hunting waterfowl. Bob spent a great deal of time on his land east of Darr, in his duck blinds soaking in the experience of nature; he hunted that ground for over 40 years. He also enjoyed spending his mornings routinely with his friends over a cup of coffee. A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Marian; sister, Jean Criswell, brother-in-law, Ray Criswell and son-in-law, Ivan Soper. Bob is survived by his daughter, Susan Soper of Aurora; son, Mike Behrens of Cozad; 2 grandsons, Jonathan and Nicholas Soper both of Lincoln; sister-in-law, Doris (Clifford) Geiken of Gothenburg; nephew, Larry Criswell of San Diego, CA and niece, Carole Coates of Haigler, NE. Services will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel in Cozad with Pastor Doug Smith officiating. There will be no interment services. Visitation will be on Friday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.