Biography

Robert Roger “Bob” Behnke, age 86, was carried home in the loving arms of His Lord on July 6, 2012. He was the loving husband of June, adoring father of Deborah and proud grandfather of David. Born on July 7, 1925 in Red River, he was the son of the late William and Rose (Sauer) Behnke. After graduating from high school, Bob enlisted with the Unites States Marine Corps and served his country for three years during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge from service, Bob went back to school at the St. Norbert College and earned a degree in insurance and finance. On September 3, 1949 he was united in marriage to June Zachow in Shawano. The couple made their home in the Shawano area where Bob was very active and involved in the Shawano community. He was a former President and Director of the Citizens Bank, Executive VP and Director of the Citizen’s Bankshares, Inc. and served two terms as Shawano Alderman. Bob was also a Director for SACF, VP, Secretary and Director for the Wisconsin Finance Corp, and Executive, VP, Secretary and Director for the Family Insurance Corp. He was a member of the St. James Lutheran Church where he served on various committees and as past chairman of the church council. When not working, Bob found enjoyment in golfing, fishing and hunting but his true love were moments spent with his family, especially his beloved grandson.

Bob is survived by: his loving wife of 62 years, June; his daughter, Deborah (Chris) Dorak of Celin. TX; grandson, David Dorak; niece, Kate Mitchell of Walnut Creek, CA and 2 nephews, John (Tracy) Haupt of Prairie du Sac and Tom (Kelly) Haupt of Oregon, WI.

Bob was preceded in death by: his parents; and 3 sisters-in-law, Eleanor Behnke, Vera (Harvey) Mitchell and Ruth (Kenneth) Haupt.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at the St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano with the Rev. Fred Zimmermann officiating. Burial will be in the Lake Drive Cemetery in the Town of Wescott. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday after 9:00am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bob’s memory to ThedaCare Hospice or The Shawano Area Community Fund. Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements.

The family wishes to thank the staff of ThedaCare at Home Hospice, including Lou, Linda, Jolene and especially Mary.