Monday, January 13, 2025
Ann M. Behnke, age 89 of Clintonville, passed away peacefully at her home on June 4, 2024 surrounded by her family.
Ann Marie Behnke was born on December 4, 1934, daughter to the late Arthur and Vivian (Zell) Below in Clintonville. She was baptized and confirmed in her faith which was a central part of her life. Ann attended Elmdale School through 8th grade and graduated from Clintonville High School, the class of 1953. After high school she worked at Vanity Fair as a beautician.
Ann was united with Glenn Behnke in marriage on November 19, 1955 in Clintonville. They raised their family of five children on the family farm. Ann was a strong farm wife, committed to running the farm along with Glenn, and loved to garden and bake. Ann ensured everyone was well cared for and would bring treats to anyone she could. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.
Glenn and Ann enjoyed dancing and made many friends through the Jolly Mixers Polka dance club. Ann could always be counted on to entertain and throw parties for her family and friends. She loved a great game of cards and delighted in teaching her grandchildren new games.
She was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bear Creek. Ann served her church community as Sunday school teacher, organist, and was active with the Ladies Aid. She shared her love of Christmas music as the director of the church choir coordinating the annual Christmas Concert for over 20 years. As an active member of the Bear Creek Lions Club, she helped with many projects in the community over the years. Ann will be remembered for her strong faith and distinctive laugh.
Ann is survived by: her children Doug (Mary) Behnke, Tom (Vicki) Behnke, Nancy (Dennis) Schultz, Julie Behnke, James (Al Updike) Behnke
Grandchildren: Greg (Karina) Behnke, Steve (Amanda) Behnke, Katie (Mark) Burgess, Christa (Brad) Hoffman, Kellie (Ryan) Zahn, Emily (Josh Norman) Schultz, Andrew Schultz
Great-Grandchildren: Amelia and Louis Behnke, Draven and Devin Behnke, Archer and Allie Hoffman, and John Burgess
She is further survived by her sister Dorothy Neilson
Ann was preceded in death by her husband Glenn, Abigail Hoffman, great granddaughter, Doug Anschutz, special friend of Julie, her parents, and in-laws Otto and Ella Behnke.
Brothers & Sisters: Elsworth (Jennette) Below, Delmar (Florence) Buelow, Robert Neilson, Marian (Leonard) Schneider
Brothers and Sisters in-law: Charles (Helen) Behnke, Clarence (Bernie) Behnke, Myrene (Leonard) Schmallenberg, Margaret (Roland) Gielow, Marcella (Ervin) Fietzer, Harold (Norma) Behnke, Orland (Frannie) Behnke, and Donald (Bev) Behnke
And special friend, Joe Clinton
Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Township of Bear Creek, with the Rev. Aric Fenske officiating. Interment will take place at the parish cemetery following the service.
Visitation will take place from 5 -7 PM on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, North location, 53 N. Main St. Clintonville, WI 54929 ; and again on Wednesday at the church from 9AM until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Bear Creek.
A special thank you to her caregivers, including; Donna, Lori, and the Arc Angels staff, who allowed her to stay in her home and for their special love and care for Ann. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Pastor Aric Fenske for helping the family through this time.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.
