Zachary C. Behrends

Zachary C. Behrends, 22, of Pekin, IL passed away at 7:34 PM Sunday, July 12, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center after suffering a brain injury during a seizure.

Zach was born on August 5, 2003 in Peoria, IL, to Carlie and Brian Behrends.

Surviving are: his parents, Carlie and Troy Kaufmann of Pekin; one sister, Olivia Kaufmann of Pekin; maternal grandparents, Frank and Diane Norris of Largo, FL, and paternal grandparent, Juanita Burger of Pekin; aunt and uncle, Rick and Trish Rettke of Quincy, IL; cousins, Lainee (Caleb) and Cal Arnold of Riverview, FL, Reese and Luke Rettke of Quincy, IL; his beloved pup, Annie.

Zach was a wonderfully devoted son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, pet parent, and friend who always made his family a top priority. We spent many days playing cards and dice games, spending time outside on the deck and in the pool, and watching shows together. He loved country music, specifically 90s and early 2000s country. We loved going to concerts. It was a common gift for and from Zach. Last summer, he gifted his mom with a trip to the Ozarks to see Billy Currington and Parmalee. Billy Currington’s “Good Directions” was a song they danced to from the time Zach was in diapers and continued to enjoy together until his last day on earth.

His passion for dogs was remarkable. He worked with Pet Pack Initiative and helped so many dogs find their furever homes. He even adopted some of the pups for himself. His first and most loved is his Labradoodle Annie. He would carry her like a baby, and they went everywhere together.

 He talked to his mom, Dae (Troy), Grammy, and grandma every day. He loved to share stories of what happened at work that day and see what everyone had been up to. Every time he and his mom talked on the phone, it started with “Hey bum!” He had a heart of gold and an eye for detail. He was an amazing cook who loved to try new recipes and always put his own spin on them. He even started to grow his own herbs to accent his dishes.

He hoped to move to Florida because he loved all our beach vacations since he was a baby. He loved the special time that he was able to spend with Grammy and Papa at their house in Florida over the past couple of years. He loved it when they took him to local spots for shrimp and drinks.

In Zach’s 22 years, he was able to work in fields that he had always talked about. He worked as a CNA at hospitals and nursing homes, as well working as an EMT and corrections officer. He touched and helped so many people in his short life. He was blessed with the gift of meeting the elderly where they were to help them. His patience was unmatched. His last position was working at AC Restmor in Morton with Professional Therapy Services, and he truly found what he was called to do. The residents loved him and appreciated how he tried different ways to reach people and make everyone feel included. He made friends wherever he worked and enjoyed meeting up with friends at B-Dubs, Duck’s, and other places.

Zach was baptized at Redeemer Lutheran Church, confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, and attended Bethel Lutheran Church in Morton. His Confirmation verse was Zephaniah 3:17: “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; He will exult over you with loud singing.” It was so special to his family to worship together. 

A visitation celebrating Zach’s life will be from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Morton and also on Saturday, July 25th from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at the church. A Memorial service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 25th with Rev. Greg Moyer officiating. Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with Zach’s arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pet Pack Rescue Initiative, 8703 N University St Suite F, Peoria, IL 61615.

Zach’s family would like to thank the phenomenal staff at OSF, specifically Natasha, Maggie, Jose, and Sam. We could not have asked for a more caring, knowledgeable, or skilled group of people. We will always be grateful for Natasha in Zach’s final hours.