Thomas was a Project Manager for NewGround in Chesterfield, MO, and a member of St. James Catholic Church, Millstadt, IL. He was involved with the St. Louis Carpenter’s Local, volunteered for the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and was an avid outdoorsman. He was a master woodworker who, along with his father and brother, built many homes in Southern Illinois.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester A. and Emma J., nee McMorris, Behrman, and his brother, John Behrman.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 47 years, Deanna M., nee Closterman, Behrman, whom he married on May 2, 1969;
his son, Joel (Patricia) Behrman;
two daughters, Jennifer Haapoja,
and Elizabeth (Daniel) Otto;
three grandchildren, Ellen, Daniel and Emma;
three sisters, Jane (Stan) Young,
Caroline (Paul) Erickson,
and Mary Lou Behrman;
two nieces, Madalyn and Carrie;
and a nephew, Jason.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rocky Mountain Conservancy (www.rmconservancy.org) or in the form of masses to St. James Catholic Church, Millstadt, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Funeral: According to Tom’s wishes, cremation was held and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Condolences Left For Thomas Behrman
I enjoyed working with Tom at NewGround. He was one of the best! Talking about his wife, his kids and his grandkids is what made him light up. He was kind to everyone and he will be missed. Prayers for peace and comfort to the Behrman family.
Christine Soellner, Washington, MO, 63090
I have enjoyed my time working with Tom over the years. He always had a smile and always talked about his family and how he enjoyed the outdoors!Please accept my condolences and may God bring peace to the family
Don Miller, Fenton, MO, 63026
I am honored and blessed to have known Tom, we worked together for many years. He was truly a blessing in my life and I will miss him. May the Lord give Tom eternal rest and the Family the strength to bear the pain. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Ralph Nelson, Wildwood, Missouri, 63040
I had the pleasure of working with Tom at NewGround for many years. Tom was one of the best! He will be truly missed. My prayers go out to his family.
Roxanne Wallace, Eureka, MO, 63025
I remember Tom as a child. Syl, Tom’s father, built the house that our family lived in when I was in high school. (2103 East D St) The Behrmans lived across the street. My father was a Realtor and sold a number of Sly’s houses. I am sure Tom was a master woodworker, a skill learned at his father’s side and had his father’s work ethic and his moral ethic as well.
My condolences to the family.
Tom LeChien, Belleville, Il, 62221
Dear Deanna,
Ernie called me. I was so sorry to hear about Tom. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers. Your children and grandchildren will be your greatest comfort. Keep them close.
Love and prayers for all,
Ginny Bevirt
Ginny ( Bauer) Bevirt, Papillion , Ne, 68046
The NGA team in Hawaii enjoys working with Beth and was saddened to hear of her dad’s passing. Please accept our condolences.
Sincerely, your extended family in Hawaii.
, Kailua , Hawaii , 96734
So sorry for your loss Beth. Sending lots of love and support your way.
Lauren Verrochi Ponder, , ,
Deanna, Jen, Joel, Beth and Family . . . Dave and I were so shocked when Caroline called us Sunday. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit with him in July at the anniversary party in Waterloo. Hugs to all.
Dave & Nancy, Belleville, IL – Illinois, 62220
My deepest condolences. I was shocked to hear about Tom’s passing. My heart breaks for all of you. If there is anything at all I can do for your family, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Jul Fischer, , ,
Beth and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May you all find peace and comfort at this time.
Erica Kniffin, Fairview Heights, IL, 62208
Dear Deanna, Joel, Jennifer, Beth, Jane, Caroline, Mary and the entire Behrman Family,
I am so sorry for your sudden loss of Tom. There are no appropriate words to describe how I feel or to express my sorrow.
Tom was and always will be my best friend in life, we did so many things together…school, double dating, playing cards, Camp Ondesonk, hunting, working, traveling to Colorado with the girl scouts and many more.
Tom was someone I admired for his commitment to his family, friends and work. He truly loved his family and everything he did in life was for and because of his family.
He will be truly and sadly missed by all who knew him.
God bless Tom and all of the Behrman Family.
Biv
Tom, Millstadt, Il, 62260
Deanna and family, Sending sincere sympathy to all of you. Tom will always have a special place in my heart. He was a positive inspiration in my younger years. He taught me how to camp, how to hike, how to appreciate nature and all its wonders. Forever greatful for for those wholesome values. Peace to all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Denise Feld
Denise (Koderhandt) Felf, Belleville, Il, 63221
Joel and Tricia, I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. Please know that Joe and I send you and your family our love and prayers. Be strong Cousin. We love you.
Renee Kovach, Grover Beach, CA, 93433
Joel, I’m so sorry for your loss. Blessings to you and your family.
J Carter, Richmond, CA, 94806
My prayers are that you feel the comfort and peace of God as you face the sudden loss of this much loved husband, father and grandfather.
Michelle Torigian , Cincinnati , OH, 45247
I am so so sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful childhood memories with your family… my heart breaks for you all. Thinking of you and sending lots of love.
Morgan Young, Brentwood, MO, 63144
We are so sorry for you loss, we know how much he meant to all of you. Danny & Emma needed more time with their grandpa.
Larry & Betty Judd, , ,
Deanna, Joel, Beth and Jen,
I’m honored to have had Tom as a part of my growing up years. I remember, fondly, his twinkly eyes and tickled laughter when bantering with his children. I always longed for parents with a marriage like this one. I’m so sorry for this tremendous loss and holding you all close in my heart.
Maria Strinni Gill, Painted Post, New York, 14870
Thinking of you and your family, Beth! My parents and I have many memories of you and your family on the soccer field!
Shannon (Norbet) Cormier, Charlotte, NC, 28105
Jen,
I was so sorry to hear about your dad on Monday. I know how much you looked forward to any time spent with your family. It is never easy, but holding the happy memories in your heart will help. My sincere condolences to you and your family. -Barbara
Barbara Cummings, Guntersville, AL, 35976
Joel and Family;
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My God give you comfort and strength at this time.
Nancy Mesquite
Nancy Mesquite, Brentwood, CA., 94513
Thinking of you and your family, Beth! My parents and I have many memories of you and your family on the soccer field!
Shannon (Norbet) Cormier, Charlotte, NC, 28105
We are so very sorry to hear of this. Please accept our condolences.
Kathy & Steve Hoover, Edwardsville, Il, 62025
Deanna and Family,
Was deeply saddened to hear the news. I will always cherish the wonderful memories of my scouting days, the trips to Colorado, camping, hiking, and all the awesome experiences I enjoyed because of you and Tom taking the time to make a difference.
Heartfelt sympathy to your entire family,
Kathleen(Fahrner)Woods
Kathleen (Fahrner) Woods, Belleville, IL, 62220
Condolences to you and your family, Joel. Much love to you.
Jaymes Silver, Los Angeles, California, 90066
Marc and I are so sorry for your loss Beth. You have our deepest sympathies. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Marc and Tricia Popelar, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
Sending our Condolences to the family….from The US Army Corps of Engineers Human Capital Management Office, Huntsville Al
Human Capital Management Team, Huntsville , Alabama, 35816
Beth and family. My deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. You will be in my prayers.
Greg Olson, St. Louis, MO, 63128
Dear Jennifer
My sincere condolences to you and your family on the lose of your father. It is not easy to give up a parent. My God be with you at this sorrowful time.
Regards
Fawzy Makar
Fawzy a Makar, Bradenton Beach, Fl, 34217
Jen and family: No words can really convey my sorrow for you all. I have good memories of your Dad and Mom while growing up with Jen. Please know you’re all in my thoughts.
Julia Alexander, Waterloo, Illinois, 62298
Deanna, Joel, Jen, Beth and all of Tom’s entire family, my condolences- you are in my thoughts prayers. I remember when Joel and I were working on my mom’s mobile home we got “stumped” on a shower drain problem. Joel decided it was time to call his Dad to resolve this problem and thirty minutes later (from Tom’s trade knowledge)…it was resolved!
Art Gutierrez, san jose, CA, 95133
When working with Tom, he was a kind soft spoken man. Always willing to help and very knowledgeable in his trade. He will be genuinely missed by all who knew him. My condolences to his family
Darlene Grisham, Lake St Louis, MO, 65535