Robert John Behler, Jr.

Robert John Behler, Jr.
June 15, 1940 - December 4, 2024 

Robert John Behler Jr. (84), former Mayor of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his residence in Encinitas, California, on December 4, 2024, surrounded by his family. Bob passed away following a valiant four-year battle with Stage 4 prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones. His journey with this illness was marked by resilience, humor, and love, with much of his time lived joyfully and fully. His devoted wife of 55 years, Janice, honored her promise to keep him at home, taking on the role of primary caregiver with unwavering strength, patience, and love. Even in his final months, Bob’s humor and spirit shone brightly, as he rallied to enjoy life’s moments, including a round of golf just two months before his passing.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert John Behler and Irene Kniola Behler. He is survived by his wife, Janice (Haack) Behler; his daughters, Gwynne Behler and Beth Behler; his only grandchild, Charlotte Behler; and his sisters, Barbara Duncan, Sally Czubik (Bob), and Anamarie Fedder (Jeff); as well as Janice’s siblings Kathleen Hartley, David Haack (June), Char Johnson (Jim), and Diane Kalogridis (George). Bob is also lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. His family’s hearts are heavy as they navigate this profound loss.
Bob lived a life so full, it felt as though he had lived ten lives in one.

Born and raised in Michigan City, Indiana, Bob attended St. Mary’s Grade School and High School (now Marquette HS), where he graduated in 1958 as a National Merit Scholar and celebrated athlete, holding the single-game basketball scoring record. At 18, while walking home from his last day of high school, Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His mother was astonished when he announced that he was passing up a full-ride scholarship to Tulane University to enlist. Later in life, Bob earned an associate’s degree from Vincennes University and was proud to be honored as the inaugural recipient of St. Mary’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

His 26-year military career began with four years of active duty, including tours in Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Italy, and Guantanamo Bay. He continued his service for 22 years in the Indiana Army National Guard. In 1994, Bob was named La Porte County’s first “Veteran of the Year.” During his military service, Bob earned over 40 honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army and Indiana Commendation Awards, and the Joint Military Achievement Award. In 2000, upon retiring as First Sergeant, Bob was honored by the governor with Indiana's highest military award, the Distinguished Service Medal, as well as the state's highest civilian award, the “Sagamore of the Wabash,” in recognition of his exceptional service to Indiana.

An adventurer at heart, Bob was also an avid race car driver in his young adult life. He competed in Formula Vee and Alfa Romeo road races across the Midwest, eventually earning a starting spot in the prestigious 1968 American Road Race of Champions in Riverside, California. Janice served as his pit crew during this exciting chapter of their lives.

Bob’s contributions to Michigan City were profound. Bob began his career as a successful businessman, owning Behler Floorcovering, before dedicating himself to public service. He served 12 years on the Michigan City Common Council, followed by two terms as Mayor (1988-1995). During his tenure, he championed numerous transformative initiatives, such as the creation of the Watershed Management Plan (recognized by the EPA), the Trail Creek Improvement Plan, the opening of Franklin Square, the riverboat evaluation process, the 4th of July Patriotic Program, and the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza. Bob never considered himself a politician but rather a devoted public servant who truly cherished his role as Mayor of Michigan City.

Bob served as president or member of numerous boards, commissions, and organizations, including the Northern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway Commission, and the Northern Indiana Mayor’s Roundtable. He was also involved with community and service organizations such as the American Legion Post 451, American Legion Post 0416 (Encinitas, CA), the Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph Young Men’s Society, the Exchange Club, Moose Lodge 980, and the Fraternal Order of Police Dunes Lodge 75. Additionally, Bob contributed to the Michigan City Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Advisory Board of the Great Lakes Museum of Military History, and the St. Mary’s Parish Pastoral Council.

After serving as mayor, Bob took on diverse roles, including coordinating military security for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, working as a sales manager and on-air personality at WEFM radio, and serving as County Treasurer and County Clerk. A man who wore many hats, Bob approached each role with unwavering dedication and purpose.

A talented artist, writer, and storyteller, Bob’s creativity was a hidden gem to many who knew him. Throughout his life, he was particularly inspired by the legend of King Arthur, Camelot, and the Knights of the Round Table. His family remembers him as a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather who taught by example, a fun and adventurous “kid at heart,” and a kind, witty man with a knack for building or fixing anything in unconventional yet efficient ways-earning him the nickname “MacGyver.”

Bob spent his retirement years in Encinitas, California, where he and Janice relocated in 2008 to be near their only grandchild. At the end of the day, Bob took the greatest pride in his family, his beloved hometown on Lake Michigan, his military and public service, his Chicago Cubs, his Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and his golf scores.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Bob’s oncologist, Dr. Anjali Bharne and her staff, and the compassionate team at The Elizabeth Hospice, whose exceptional care and kindness brought comfort and dignity to Bob in his final years.

Visitation and memorial display will be from 4:00 - 7:00 pm Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, IN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am Friday, April 25, 2025 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, 411 W. 10th St., Michigan City, IN with time for gathering and greeting the family in the church foyer beginning at 10:00 am, prior to the Mass. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery with full military honors. Bringing Bob home to Michigan City is a heartfelt tribute to the life he lived and the roots he cherished.

Bob Behler was a man of integrity, humor, and adventure, whose legacy lives on in his family, his stories, his community, and the countless lives he inspired and touched.

Memorial contributions may be sent to The Behler Family in care of Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington Street, Michigan City, IN 46360. 

To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit our web site at www.otthaverstock.com. 

. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert John Behler, Jr., please visit our floral store.