James “Jim” A. Behnke, age 66, of Manitowoc, passed away on Wednesday, June 19th, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His final moments were spent in his home surrounded by family.
He was born July 21, 1957 in Manitowoc, son of the late Elroy and Norma Schmidt Behnke. A tireless worker, Jim spent many years dedicating himself to his job at Eck Foundry. But a desire to craft a better life for his family drove him to start a small business on the side. What started in his basement in 1986 finally moved to a “sharp” brick and mortar showroom in 1999, and the establishment of Manitowoc Trophy became one of the great prides of Jim’s life. He continued working enthusiastically alongside his son Eric for the remainder of his years. He enjoyed sharing in his success by taking an active role in the Manitowoc community, often contributing to many fundraisers, charities, and other local projects. He married the love of his life, Sarah, in 2009 in Manitowoc and through their relationship, these two dedicated small business owners at last began learning to relax. They enjoyed spending weekends at the cottage together with family and their many friends. An avid pool player, card shark, and teller of dad jokes, Jim taught his children and grandchildren many ways to laugh and play, and enjoyed trouncing them almost as much. But the most important lesson he taught was how to live well and love better.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sarah Behnke, and his children, and grandchildren. His daughter Holly Behnke and her children Coral and Bryar, son Eric (Angela) Behnke and their child Gianna, his child Zavian Vils, daughter Lacey (John Wedzicha) Nett, daughter Kera (Matt) Kennedy and their child Tayo. He is also survived by his siblings: Janice Behnke, Robert Behnke, Norma Howe, Donald “Butch” Behnke and special friend Cory, John (Carol) Behnke, Geraldine Behnke, Richard (Kim) Behnke, Mary (Chris) Schmidt, along with nieces and nephews Joanne Behnke Wilson, Jay Behnke, and Jane Steltzer, Michelle Adams and Mike Howe, Sonya Yazzie, Joshua and Shane Behnke, Jon Gilbert and Shelby Loucks, Jeremiah and LeAnn Behnke, Francis “JR” Behnke, and then Travis and Dylan Behnke. He is also survived by Sarah’s family and their children. Their beloved father and mother Tim and Sue Landreman, her brothers Steve (Hollie) Landreman and Andy (Amy) Landreman, along with nieces and nephews Justin and Jared Landreman as well as Dylan and Asha Landreman.
He was preceded in death by grandparents Joe and Elizabeth Schmidt, parents Elroy and Norma Behnke, brothers Elroy Jr., Art, Paul Lee, Gerald “Jerr-Bear”, Tom, and Michael Behnke, along with nephew Kelly Behnke.
Jim’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the medical teams and support groups that aided him in his brave battle against cancer. This includes Dr. Yetter and all the nurses at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic, as well as the Sharon Richardson Hospice team. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pink Heals Manitowoc County, PO Box 1961, Manitowoc WI 54221-1961 or Gumby’s Club Fore A Cure, 2002 Marshall St Manitowoc, WI 54220 in Jim’s name.
A private service for family only will be held on Saturday, June 29th at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, followed by a Life Celebration Social for family and friends from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy for the family may be made at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com. The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair St., is assisting the family.
