Jerome A. Behrmann

Jerome A. “Jerry” Behrmann, 73, of Waterloo, IL, born February 16, 1953, in Belleville, IL, died Thursday, May 21, 2026, surrounded by family at his residence, following an extended courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Jerry was born and raised in Belleville, IL, attending St. Mary School, and Belleville West High School.

Early in his career, he worked beside his dad at Castelli-Born Service Station in Belleville, learning and refining his skills as an expert auto mechanic. Subsequently, he worked for Ameren Illinois Power as a Lineman, then a Trouble-Truck Service and Repair Specialist, and later, as a Power Sub-station Inspector. He enjoyed performing his own auto service and repairs, watching auto racing - especially the Indy 500 - and most of all, riding his Harley-Davidson with Gloria and friends locally, regionally, and even extended road trips. He was a very generous friend, always eager to help a family member, a buddy or a neighbor in need of auto or home repairs. Like his dad, he could fix almost anything mechanical.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph C. and Virginia, nee Reeb, Behrmann; a sister, Barbara Gutreuter; dearly-loved grandparents, Tony and Rosilla (nee Vollmer) Behrmann Middendorf, biological paternal grandfather, Joe Behrmann; maternal grandparents, Aloys and Martha Reeb; brother-in-law, Steve Rickert, and infant niece, Amanda Behrmann.

Surviving are his wife, Gloria, nee Ping, Behrmann; two sons, Jim (Nicole) Behrmann of Edwardsville, IL, and Brian (Sarah Zickler) Behrmann, of St. Louis, MO; step-daughters, Amy (John) Blankenship of Fairview Heights, IL, and Jenny (Sherman) Voegtle of Belleville, IL; grandsons Max Behrmann and Gus Behrmann; a sister, Joan Rickert, of Smithton, IL; a brother, Gene (Sandy) Behrmann, of Belleville, IL; sister-in-law, Bette (John) Deckard; brothers-in-law, Ed Gutreuter,Gary (Patty) Ping, Darrell (Bruce Kahn) Toenjes; David Toenjes, Dan (Lynette) Toenjes; nieces, Amy Toenjes, Cassie Behrmann, Bonnie (Rob) Stroder, and Clare Behrmann; and nephews, Paul (Sherry) Wuller, Bradley Behrmann, and Andy (Shannan) Rickert; great-nieces and great-nephews: and many dear friends.

The family sincerely appreciates the dedicated VITAS Healthcare team for the excellent hospice services. Recognition also to Team Gleason and to the ALS Association, for the medical equipment loans. Thanks as well to the many caring neighbors who helped day and night, whenever needed. A special nod to Jerry’s close friend, Ken, for the weekly Wednesday home visits and for all the minor odd-jobs and major repairs that he promptly addressed to ease Jerry’s mind.

Memorials may be made to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital at www.glennon.org, to VITAS Hospice Care, Fairview Heights, IL, phone: 877-410-3370, website: www.vitascommunityconnection.org or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

In accordance with Jerry’s wishes, cremation was performed.

A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held at a later date.