Donald Leigh Behnke

Donald Leigh Behnke was born on June 27, 1934 to Harold and Loretta (Kummerow) Behnke.  He was raised in rural Marathon and attended a one room school.  Don was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at Benedictine Nursing Home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

In 1952, he graduated from Marathon High School.  He also attended various agricultural and machine shop classes.

Upon graduating from high school, he moved to Milwaukee, WI to work at the A & P stores.  He later returned to Rib Falls to farm and work at the Athens Co-op.  He sold the farm and moved to Edgar and began Central Silo Services (sold to Maki Farms) and Central Lawn and Turf, which his grandsons Scott and Ryan now operate.  Don took great pride in his business dealings and many considered him a great leader.

Don was a member of the Edgar Village Board, Edgar Lions, St. Matthew Finance Committee, Building and Grounds Committee, and served on the Board of Northland Lutheran High School.

Don was an avid Packer and Brewers fan.  He enjoyed re-playing the game results with his grandchildren.  On Saturdays, he could be found watching the Gospel Hour and Mollie B.

On May 29, 1982, he married the love of his life, Ila (Crochiere) Behnke.  The had just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this past year.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Loretta Behnke; in-laws, Robert and Elsie Crochiere; son, Michael; an infant daughter; brothers, Eugene (Donna) and Wayne Behnke; brothers-in-law, Mayward Heise, Garry Kufahl, Dennis (Beverly) Crochiere and Gary Crochiere.

Survivors include, his wife, Ila; daughter, Kimberly (John) Baumgart; son, Mark (Sharon) Behnke; grandchildren, Kaden, Lia and Micah Baumgart, Scott (Amber), Ryan (Abby), Chad, Kurt (Pam) and Derek (Heather) Behnke; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Ethan, Layla, Ryker and Ali Behnke; step-great-grandchildren, Haley and Rayme Burns; sister, Phyllis (Bob Riemer); brother, Mel (Jill) Behnke; sister-in-law, Beverly Behnke and brother-in-law, Ronald (Gail) Crochiere.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, Marathon.  Rev. Jon Hadler will officiate.  Burial will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Rib Falls. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau and again on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, Little Lions Childcare, Marathon or the charity of your choice.

Special thanks to the Palliative Care nurses, Benedictine staff who provided excellent care for Don, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services and special niece, Lori Fuller, who showed great love and support to her uncle, Donald.

If I had one wish, you would stay forever.  Love You, Ila

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com