Kenneth J. Behrens, Music Director at St. John’s Catholic Church and a member of the Milford Ministerial Association, passed away August 29, 2025. Behrens was 77.
Born April 10, 1948, Behrens was a lifelong teacher, musician and ministry leader whose career spanned over 50 years. He came to Delaware after accepting a position as a math professor at Delaware Technical Community College Terry Campus and DePaul University online. Behrens moved to Milford as the Calvary United Methodist Church Music Director.
Often claiming that his life intersected with music, math and faith, Behrens directed music at Houston United Methodist Church, St. Jude Catholic Church as well as St. John’s. He was also found filling in for other musicians at local churches, playing piano, organ and/or guitar.
Professionally, Behrens served as a mathematics professor at DeVry University, Mohawk Valley Community College in New York, Delaware Technical and Community College Terry Campus, DePaul University and more. Overall, he taught 387 mathematics courses over his 45 years of teaching.
A graduate of DePaul University in Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Music, Behrens advanced his knowledge with Ph.D. mathematics coursework along with master’s level music study at the University of Nebraska.
Although he loved mathematics, music was a close second and Behrens could play professional level organ, piano, keyboard, guitar and bass. He could play both contemporary and classical banjo as well. A man of faith, Behrens led worship for congregations of all sizes. He was known for directing choirs and arranging vocals across many genres.
In addition to his ability to lead musicians and play many instruments at the professional level himself, Behrens was also gifted in composition, sound engineering, recording, production and digital music publishing. He taught both in-person and online courses while at the same time counseling and providing pastoral leadership to many.
Known for his clever humor, encouragement and big heart, Behrens will be remembered by the thousands of college-level students he taught, the members of the thousands of worship services he led as well as the many musicians and singers he directed.
“The real beauty of Ken was in his soul,” his brother, Tom, said. “He encouraged others to rise to their highest individual expectations.”
Behren’s legacy will be of a teacher who gave knowledge freely; a musician who poured his soul into every song; a minister who lived his faith with humility and compassion, a friend who listened, guided and encouraged, a husband who shared love and purpose with Ruth, his wife.
His family would like Behren’s life remembered like a song. Some verses quiet, others bold; some remained unpublished unheard by the wider world; but the melody of his soul was clear: faith, love, service and joy. Though he never sought recognition, Behren’s impact is lasting. His music, his teaching and his ministry live on in all.
Behrens is survived by his wife of 13 years, Ruth, and one brother, Tom, of Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife of 15 years, Anna.
A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for November 10 at 6 PM at St. John’s Catholic Church in Milford. The service is open to all who loved and admired Behrens.
