Agnes A. Behnke

Agnes Behnke, age 49 of Kaukauna, took the hand of Jesus and followed him safely home on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at her home. Agnes was born in Oak Park, Illinois on March 8, 1967, daughter of the late Carl E. Funk and Eleanor (Zarter) Funk who resides in Appleton. Following high school in Mauston, Agnes attended the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. Her training there gained her employment as an activity director at various senior living centers in the area. She worked at Evergreen Manor in Oshkosh as well as the Sheboygan Retirement Home. On June 13, 1992, she married Steven Behnke at Trinity Lutheran Church in Marinette. Together, the couple enjoyed twenty-four years together and were blessed with two daughters.

Agnes had many loves in life: she loved caring for the elderly and had a special place in her heart for the aged. She loved and advocated for all with special needs, especially her beloved Abbie. She loved every one of God's creations, but had a real soft spot for rabbits. She enjoyed family time playing games and American Girl dolls with her daughters. She loved crafting and scrapbooking until her health failed. She enjoyed the water, the beach, and Amphicar gatherings with our Amphi family of friends. Roller coasters brought her much joy and laughter, she especially looked for roller coasters that Abbie could ride with her. The family have been longtime and faithful members at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kaukauna where Agnes volunteered tirelessly. She ran the hot lunch program for a time, coordinated special meals, ran the concession stand at sporting events, and attended all of Nicole's various activities over the years which continued through high school. Spending time with Steve and the girls clearly was atop her list. She was the best wife and mom a guy and his kids could have asked for, and she will be dearly missed.

Agnes is survived by her husband: Steven Behnke of Kaukauna; two daughters: Nicole Behnke who is a student at Concordia Univeristy – Wisconsin, and Abbie Behnke at Kaukauna HS; her mother: Eleanor Funk of Appleton; a brother: Carl W (Martha) Funk of Fort Worth, Texas; a sister-in-law: Kara Behnke (Andrew Green) of Marinette: a niece: Kristina Behnke and her daughter Ella; a nephew: Carl A (Keryna) Funk; and a niece: Kellie Funk. Agnes was preceded in death by her father, Carl E Funk.

The Christian Funeral Service for Agnes will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at TRINITY EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 804 Grignon Street in Kaukauna, with Rev. David Fleischmann officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Fargo Funeral Home, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue in Kaukauna, on Friday from 4 to 7 PM and again at the church on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. For more information or to share a memory of Agnes, please visit www.wichmannfargo.com.

The family would like to thank the legion of caregivers that battled right alongside of Agnes these last 3+ years. They include everyone at the Froedtert Clinical Cancer Center where her surgeons and oncologists performed nearly impossible surgeries to help extend her time with us. Here at home, Dr. Xin Yao, Alicia Schumacher APNP, and their support staff at FVHO were our angels, along with the 7th Floor at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton and the selfless workers from Heartland Hospice. Pastor Fleischmann, your presence, prayers, and promises of Agnes' being in the loving arms of our Lord have brought us boundless comfort, and we are forever thankful for your words. And a special thank you to the members of Trinity Lutheran Church for your never ending kindness to our family.

A memorial fund has been established for Agnes' daughters' education.