Darrell E. "Jerry" Behnke

Jerry Behnke, age 86, of Appleton, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 21, 2012. He was born on October 3, 1926, in Amherst, the son of the late Waldemar and Alma (Abraham) Behnke. On January 25, 2002, he married Suzanne (nee Bergholz). Jerry was a member of Mount Olive Ev. Lutheran Church in Appleton. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Johnston-Blessman Post #38 American Legion, and Harvey Pierre Post #2778 VFW. Jerry retired from the Zwicker Knitting Mill.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Suzanne Behnke; sisters-in-law: Fran Behnke and Marlyn Bergholz; and special neighbors: Connie and Adam Eisenberg, and their children, Ethan and Reid. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his first wife, Irene (Schmidt) Behnke and his sisters and brothers, Irma Athy, Gertrude Wichman, Harvey Behnke, Werner Behnke, Elmer Behnke, Alger “Cal” Behnke, Violet Rippl, Russell Behnke, and Elmyra Norenberg.

The funeral service for Jerry will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at Mount Olive Ev. Lutheran Church, 930 E. Florida Avenue in Appleton. Rev. Jasper B. Sellnow will be officiating. Entombment will take place at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the church are appreciated. Online condolences can be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com.

A special thank you to the staff at ThedaCare at Home Hospice, for the excellent care and compassion shown to Jerry. Also, the wonderful nurses, Paul, Mary G., and Mary L. and his volunteer, Ron, you were all amazing people in his life.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920)739-1231