Leonard Behnke's Obituary
Leonard W. Behnke, age 86, of Waupaca, WI., passed away on Sunday, April 19th, 2009 at Crystal River Nursing & Rehab. Center in Waupaca. He was born in Town of Royalton, Waupaca Co., WI., on September 6, 1922, a son of the late Henry and Ida (Ziemer) Behnke. Leonard married Darlyne Tyrrell on September 1, 1945 in Manawa. She preceded him in death on July 22, 1989. He was comptroller for the State Historical Society in Madison from November 1953 until April 1983. Leonard was a member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waupaca. Survivors include his Children: Gary (Marlene) Behnke, Waupaca, WI; Gail (Jerome) Stephany, Lomira, WI; Grandchildren: Tom (Ameleah) Behnke, New Lenox, IL; Sally (Fiance': Kyle Kenney) Behnke, Ogdensburg, WI; Fred (Noel) Stephany, Hortonville, WI; Dan (Melissa) Stephany, Oostburg, WI; Mary Stephany, LaCrosse, WI; Great Grandchildren: April Behnke; Samuel Behnke; Luke Behnke; Sarah Behnke; Ben Behnke; Micah Stephany; Ty Stephany; Owen Stephany; Sister: Verona (Wayne) Fink, Waupaca, WI; Sister-in-Law: Califern (Donald) Schleh, Plymouth, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Darlyne, 3 brothers, Herbert, Clarence and Louis and a sister, Lillian Niemi. Funeral Services will be held at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church (1120 Evans Street) in Waupaca at 11 AM on Friday, April 24th, 2009, with Reverend Jeffrey Holtan & Reverend Aaron Winkelman officiating. Interment will be in the Little Wolf Cemetery, Town Little Wolf, Waupaca Co., WI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 23, from 5 until 9 PM at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca and on Friday from 10 AM until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in the name of Leonard W. Behnke.
What’s your fondest memory of Leonard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leonard?
Share a story where Leonard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leonard you’ll never forget.
How did Leonard make you smile?