Bruce Behrens

Bruce Herbert Behrens, of Bradenton, Florida passed away on Saturday, September 18 at 77 years of age after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bruce was born March 3, 1944 in Davenport, Iowa to Hebert and Ruth (Davis) Behrens.

A great athlete, he graduated from Bloom High School in Chicago Heights and went on to Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska on a football scholarship.  Great friendships and memories ensued; many stories of which he shared over the years.  After college he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and flew P3s during two tours of duty in Vietnam.

During college when back in the Chicago area from time-to-time, his football legacy intrigued a beautiful Paula Burnsky and she insisted that he take her on a date.  Married in 1968 they moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and began a beautiful marriage that they enjoyed for 53 years.  After many years as Midwesterners, they moved to Florida in 1998.

Bruce was an intensely loving father and husband and was the utmost protector of his two daughters, Marissa and Brie-Ann.  Always their biggest cheerleader, he was an impatient teacher of the game of pinball, the elusive holiday gravy recipe and many failed attempts at passing down his athletic ability.

Always the life of the party, with an inflated sense of the quality of his dance moves, no social gathering was ever boring if he was there.  Throughout his years as a business executive, he travelled the world and made friends everywhere he went.  After retirement through his commitment to the Board of Directors of the Panther Ridge HOA, Our Daily Bread of Bradenton and Peace River Electric, he continued to support so many with his leadership and dedication to community and helping those in need.

Bruce leaves behind his wife, Paula, his children: Marissa (Ryan) Downs of Appleton, Wisconsin, Drs. Brie-Ann (Aaron) Muller of Hinsdale, Illinois, and grandchildren: Elle, Scarlett and Margot Downs and Ava and Luke Muller and his sister Gale (Don) Barich.  Bruce was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth, and father, Herbert.

His bravery, strength, fun-loving spirit and reliable social media presence will be so missed by all.

A celebration of life will be coordinated in coming months. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Daily Bread of Bradenton in Bruce’s name.