- On June 15, 2015, God took our quiet, gentle mother to the home He prepared for her in Heaven. Anita M. Behnke was born April 6, 1920 in the Town of Rantoul, daughter of the late, Rudolph and Clara (Lerche) Biedenbender.
On May 19,1938 John W. Behnke and Anita Biedenbender were united in marriage at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul. He preceded her in death on February 25, 1988.
For ten years Anita worked at a local cheese factory that involved babysitting the owners children and doing various household chores. After marriage Anita and John bought a farm upon which she was involved in all of the day to day tasks.
Anita will be remembered by her family for the beautiful quilts that she made. She especially enjoyed traveling all over which consisted of the Niagara Falls in 1980 and going to California with a neighbor couple and stopping in Nevada to see Roy Roger's museum in 1978.
She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, a member of the Ladies aid, serving as president, vice president, and treasurer at various times.
Mom always prepared a big meal no matter what time visitors showed up. Family and friends that came to visit never went home hungry.
Survivors include Anita's children, Glenn (Ronell) Behnke of Appleton, Linda (Gary) Streck of Forest Junction , Beulah (Jim Konrad) Behnke of Hilbert, and Coreen Behnke of Hilbert; a daughter-in-law, Marlys Behnke; twelve grandchildren, Jeff (Tammy) Behnke, Keith (Michelle) Behnke, Chad (special friend, Dana) Behnke, Sheri (Greg) Chronis, Scott (Katie) Behnke, Amy (Jeremy) Ryan, Barry (Angela) Streck, Tammy (Brian) Liegl, Dale Streck, Michael (Faye) Fay, Pamela Fay, Brad (Jen) Behnke; twenty-two great-grandchildren, Jacob, Kaylee, Trevor, Bryce, Kameron, Zachary, Maxwell, Samuel, Elizabeth, Evan, Alex, Cody, Bradyn, Corey, Logan, Kolin, Sofie, Quinton, Maygen, Leah, Breanna, Faith; two step-great-grandchildren, Jacob and Hannah Block; two sisters-in-law, Ilene Behnke and Anne Behnke; brother-in-law, Darrol (Betty) Behnke; a niece, Julaine (Chipper) Eick; and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, John, she was preceded in death by her son, Roger Behnke; her brother, Marvin (Irma) Biedenbender.
Funeral Services will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, June 19, 2015 at St. Peter Lutheran Church (43 N. 3rd Street) in Hilbert with the Rev. Timm Heath officiating. Burial to follow in St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call at church from 10:00 am to 12:45 pm on Friday, June 19, 2015.
A memorial fund has been established in Anita's name.
Anita's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Pastor Tim Heath for the many visits and many prayers, Dr. Tipler for the wonderful care over the years, and the caregivers at Chilton Care Center and Century Ridge Assisted living staff, especially Kim, for the outstanding care and compassion shown to their mother. The family would especially like to extend a special thanks to Sandy and Joe Schumacher for keeping their mother company and lending a helping hand when needed.
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1920 - 2015 (95 years)
1930 Census
