Mark L. Behnke, age 67, resident of Mishicot, entered eternal life while surrounded by his family on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Aurora BayCare Medical Center. Mark was born on January 13, 1954 in Green Bay by the late Roger E. Behnke and Marie (Klokow) Behnke. After graduating from Lincoln High School, he began his career as a laborer and truck driver. Mark finished his career as a heavy equipment operator for the Manitowoc County Highway Department in 2011. On June 26, 1976, Mark married Rochelle J. Kaminski at St. Mary’s Church in Manitowoc. Mark and Shelly began building their family with three wonderful sons.
Mark was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. As a husband Mark was a kind and gentle giant, the love of Shelly’s life. With God’s graces, Mark always found a way to provide for his family, in good times and in bad. He also stressed to never forget that our Lord and Savior comes first before all things, and all things come from the Lord. Marks last words were “I love you all, Gods will be done”. As a father his biggest advice was always “Stay true to your word” and “If you give someone your word, you have to stick to it, you can be flat broke and have nothing, but you will always have your word”. He was strong willed but always had a soft heart when it counted. Mark was a devoted grandfather and loved spending time with his grandchildren where he eventually gained the nickname, “Grandpa Corn on the Cob”. Mark also loved being up at the lake. Pontoon boat rides with his family were the highlight of his summer days. Spending countless hours with his family, watching not only his three sons, but all of his nieces and nephews grow up together is what kept the entire family close, which was something Mark found dear to his heart.
Survivors include Mark’s wife of 45 years, Shelly; three children: Doug (Robyn) Behnke, Luxemburg, Mike (Angie) Behnke, Greenville, Adam (Terra) Behnke, Green Bay; five grandchildren: Casey and Logan Rahn, Hayleigh, Austin, and Adalynn Behnke; seven siblings: Roger Behnke, Greg (Mary) Behnke, Scott (Nancy) Behnke, Brad (Sue) Behnke, Jay (Barb) Behnke, Beth Behnke, Jayne (Steve) Amato; two brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law: Larry (Kathy) Kaminski, Robert Kaminski, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. Mark was preceded in death by his parents: Roger and Marie Behnke; sister-in-law: Dolores Behnke; father-in-law and mother-in-law: David and Frances Kaminski.
Funeral services will be held on 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 5, 2021 at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, 3209 Meadow Lane, Manitowoc. The Revs. Robert Kujawski and Stephen Melso will officiate with burial to follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Gilbert. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. The Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
