Bob Lurell Behrend passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.
Visitation was Sunday, May 3, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg.
Funeral services was Monday, May 4, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, conducted by Pastor Mike Ashman.
Burial was at Friedlein Cemetery in Colesburg.
Bob was born the son of Francis and Ida Mae (Heins) Behrend on July 25, 1948, in Guttenberg. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Guttenberg.
Bob had many great memories growing up on the family farm near Millville. He attended Guttenberg High School and graduated in 1966. Bob was a member of the National Honor Society and active in band and sports. After graduation, Bob attended UNI, majoring in math and graduated in 1970 with a degree in teaching.
After graduation, Bob was a much-beloved seventh grade math teacher and coach at West Delaware Middle School in Manchester for 33 years. His seventh grade math students won first place in the WaMaC Conference for 22 of 23 years they participated. Bob enjoyed playing on softball teams at Dundee and Manchester. He was a loyal fan of the Cubs, White Sox, Packers and the Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball teams. Bob also enjoyed supporting many area high school and college teams in basketball, volleyball, and track and field. He was a big fan!
Bob was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, teaching Sunday school and volunteering to lead church services when needed. He was a member of the NE Iowa Antique Association. Bob served as treasurer and a director of the Friedlein Cemetery Association. He also enjoyed collecting old comics in his spare time.
Bob’s memory will be forever cherished by his sister, Patricia (Walt) Loukota of Cedar Rapids; his nephew, Ryan Loukota of Urbana; his niece, Kristen Loukota of Cedar Rapids; many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, former students and student athletes.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and many dear aunts, uncles and cousins.
Bob’s wishes were to be an organ and tissue donor. Memorials given to the family will be donated to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.
