Father Robert Behnen, OFM, of the Sacred Heart Province of Franciscans, died July 11 in hospice care at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

He was born Dec. 13, 1933, in St. Louis, the son of Arthur and Eleanor (Eichhorst) Behnen. He entered the Franciscan community on July 4, 1953, made his vows on July 5, 1957 and was ordained a priest on June 24, 1960, at St. Francis Church in Teutopolis.

Father Bob spent many years in the ministries of education and parish work, as well as service to his Franciscan community. He had many assignments in the Chicago and St. Louis areas, in Petoskey, Mich., and, from 1965-1968, as a teacher at St. Joseph Seminary in Chicago. He retired to Blessed Giles Friary at Villa West in Sherman in 2009.

Father Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Adrian. He is survived by his other brother, Jerry, and many nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held July 21 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in St. Louis. Burial was in Resurrection Cemetery, St. Louis.

Memorials may be made by donations for the care of elderly Franciscan priests and brothers at: Senior Friar Elder Care, 3140 Meremec St., St. Louis, MO 63118.