Robert L. Behnke

PORTAGE – Robert L. Behnke, age 82, of Portage, passed away on Friday, December 14, 2012 at the Columbia Healthcare Center in Wyocena.

Robert was born on November 14, 1930 in Portage, the son of Leo and Ellen (Dartt) Behnke. He served his country with the U.S. Navy. Robert worked as a lineman for General Telephone in Portage for over ten years, working several years in Kentucky. Robert was a lifelong member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage and was a member of the VFW. He is survived by his brother, Charles F. (Sharon) Behnke, Portage; his sister, Carole (James) Stafford, Portage; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a niece, Candace Behnke and a nephew, Brent Behnke.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon on Thursday, December 20, 2012 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage, with Rev. Alan Boeck officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery with military honors provided by the Portage area veterans.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage. Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.