Kenneth "Ken" J. Behnke

Kenneth “Ken” J. Behnke, age 81 of the Township of Union, Waupaca County, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, March 19, 2015 at Theda Clark Medical Center from complications following a recent stroke.

Ken was born on December 20, 1933 in the Township of Union on his family’s home farm.  He was the son of the late John and Selma (Peters) Behnke.  Ken graduated from Clintonville High School in 1951. He was united in marriage to JoAnn Moede on March 12, 1955 at the Trinity Lutheran Church parsonage in the Township of Bear Creek, Waupaca County. Ken and JoAnn just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.  The couple resided on the Behnke homestead where Ken dairy farmed until 1995, then raised beef and cash cropped until his retirement in 2003.  For 20 years Ken and JoAnn enjoyed spending their winter months in Edinburgh, TX.  Ken was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he held various positions over the years.  He also served as a past Supervisor for the Township of Union. Ken enjoyed farming, camping, working in the woods, gardening, & baking cookies.  Anyone who knew him knew he loved to visit as he could find a friend in any crowd.  Ken was never afraid to try something new.  He was a smart businessman who took a lot of pride in keeping his farm looking nice.

Survivors include:  His wife:  JoAnn.

Children:  Russel Behnke, Kathy (Tim) Krause, Jon Behnke, & Andy (Lisa Wheelan) Behnke.

Grandchildren:  Heather Behnke, Haley (Justin Cornelius) Behnke, Michael Behnke, & Trevor Krause.

Step-Grandchildren:  Dan (Michelle) Krause, Mike (Lindsey) Krause, Tony Krause, & David Krause.

Step-Great-Grandchildren:  Peyton and Collin Krause, Matthew and Madysen Krause.

Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law:  Roger and Sally Piehl, Fran and Mary Nellis, Jane Behnke, and Myrtle Behnke. 

Also nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Rueben and Eugene Behnke, and nephews; Kurtis and Willis Behnke.

Ken’s funeral service will be held Monday, March 23, 2015 at 11 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in the Township of Bear Creek, Waupaca County with Pastor J. Michael Stock officiating.  Interment will be held at Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville on a future date. 

Friends may call at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory in Clintonville from 2 – 6 PM Sunday, March 22, 2015 and at the church on Monday from 10 AM until the time of the service.  In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established by Ken’s family.  An online guestbook for Ken can be found at www.eberhardtstevenson.com. 

 Service Information