Frances M. Behnke

Frances M. Behnke, age 95, of Appleton, passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2013, at Brewster Village, Appleton. Fran was born on March 9, 1917, in Kimberly, to the late John H. and Ann (West) Vandenberg. She married Walter A. Joosten at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Appleton, on May 24, 1941; he preceded her in death on November 28, 1966. On June 30, 1969, she married Harvey B. Behnke; he preceded her in death on December 18, 1993. Fran was employed at Lawrence University. She enjoyed giving to others through her church work. Fran was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, the Ladies Aid and a Gold Star Mother. Survivors include her granddaughter, Kelly Ann Burke; her grandson, Robert K. Burke; her great grandsons, Jackson and Liam Burke; her brothers, David (Carol) Vandenberg and Al (Kathy) Vandenberg; and her sister, Rose Mary (Clyde) Zielke. She was preceded in death by her son, Robert W. Joosten; her daughter and son-in-law, JoAnn and Jim Burke; her sisters Grace and Dorothy; and her brothers Herb and Jack. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2013, at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 312 South State Street, Appleton, with Fr. Jim Leary, O.F.M. Cap. officiating. Friends may call at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Appleton, on Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and directly at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Interment will be in St. John Cemetery, Little Chute. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name to benefit the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com