Leslie R. Behnke

Leslie R. Behnke 90, Wausau, died Friday December 26, 2008 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born October 27, 1918, in the town of Rib Falls, son of the late Emil and Martha (Winkert) Behnke. On October 5, 1940, he married Anita Luedtke in the town of Hamburg. She preceded him in death August 1961. He married Elizabeth "Betty" Jaeck on May 11, 1963 in Wausau. She preceded him in death November 14, 2007. Leslie attended Hillside Grade School in the town of Rib Falls and was a 1936 graduate of Marathon High School. For 33 years, Leslie was employed at Cloverbelt Coop as the machine department manager, retiring in 1977. He served on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Implement Dealers Association for eight years and was elected president in 1976. A longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau, he ser ved on the Finance Council and the Board of Elders. Among his favorite things to do were playing cards, bowling and fishing. As a dedicated servant servant to others, Les volunteered for 21 years at Colonial Manor Medical and Rehabilitation Center. True to his generous and giving spirit, Les became a Big Brother at the age of 90. Survivors include a grandson, James Behnke, Wisconsin Dells, a sister-in-law, Erma Jaeck, Birnamwood and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Besides his parents, wife Anita and wife Betty, he was preceded in death by a son, Dale Behnke, one brother, Harold Behnke and two sisters, Adela Ringle and Esther Kraft. Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday December 30, 2008 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. Rev. Matthew Hein will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com