Jerry Behnke

Jerome D. Behnke 72, of the town of Texas, Wausau died Monday, November 21, 2011 at home surrounded by family.
Jerome was born August 7, 1939 in Wausau to the late Marvin and Marion (Wendorf) Behnke. He grew up on their family farm in the town of Texas and graduated from Wausau Senior High in 1957. Jerome met Marlene Geiger at State Park Speedway and married one year later on August 20, 1960 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, town of Wausau. Jerry was called to serve his country during the Berlin Crisis with the Wisconsin National Guard stationed in Ft. Lewis, Washington. Jerry returned to farming, driving milk truck and school bus. He was later employed at Connor Forest Industries and Arnold Taschler Construction. He ended his career as a heavy equipment operator for 40 years with Riverview Construction.
In April 2002, Jerry suffered a stroke and became partially disabled, not being able to return to employment. In August 2008, Jerry was diagnosed with cancer and was called to his eternal home on Monday, November 21, 2011
Jerry is survived by his wife, Marlene of 51 years, four sons, Timothy (Teresa), Allen, Rodney (RaeLynn), and Doug (Connie) all of Wausau, 8 grandchildren, Tonya Behnke (Josh Miller), Eagan, MN, Travis Behnke (Amber Bliese) and Tyler Behnke (Ashley Grosheck) all of Wausau, Sheldon Wendler (Morgan Waube), Neenah, WI, Jerod and Mitchell Behnke, Hunter and Kendra Behnke all of Wausau, 1 great grandson, Gavin Moorhead, Eagan, MN and many friends and relatives.
In early years Jerry and Marlene gathered the boys and enjoyed camping and fishing. Later as grandpa and grandma they could be found at Madeline Lake Resort, camping and fishing or at home fishing on the pond Jerry built for them. He also enjoyed hunting and giving the kids rides on his J.D. Bulldozer.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Marion, father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Catherine (Pupp) Geiger, sister-in-law, Gloria Kleman and two brother-in-laws, Ron Elliot and Mike Forbes.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 28, 2011 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, town of Wausau. Reverend David Faulkner will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, November 27, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau and at St. Peters on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Service and especially Shelley Soukup and Stephanie Kufahl for the care, compassion, and kindness given to Jerry and our family.