Elmer J. Behnke, Jr., age 79, a Manitowoc resident, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Aurora Medical Center, Two Rivers.

He was born May 24, 1943, in the Town of Rockland, Manitowoc County, son of the late Elmer E. and Sylvia (Bratz) Behnke Sr. Elmer attended St. Peter Parochial School and graduated from Valders High School with the class of 1961. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1962 and received his Honorable Discharge in June of 1965. While in the Navy, Elmer served on the USS Springfield. He was employed with Spancrete in Valders, WI for 40 years, retiring in 2005. Following his retirement, he worked part time as a delivery driver for Wettenkamp Pallet for three years. Elmer was also a 50 year member of Local 330 Building and Trades Union. On May 13, 1967, he married Janice M. Kaufman at St. Mary's Church in Manitowoc. He was a member of First German Evangelical Lutheran Church, Manitowoc, and a Lifetime Honorary Member of Rockea Hunting Club. Elmer was a fan of the Packers and Brewers and enjoyed watching them play. He was also an avid outdoorsman, especially hunting and fishing. Elmer played baseball and softball for many years locally and while in the Navy. Above all, he was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather who will be missed by his family.

Elmer is survived by his wife: Janice; two children and their spouses: Tracy and Jared Pleus and Craig and Tracy (Hove) Behnke; three grandchildren: McKenna and Aidan Pleus and Chloe Behnke; and a brother and sister-in-law: Allan and Joan Behnke. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Leo and Susan Kaufman; his sister: Doris Lemke; his maternal and paternal grandparents; and other relatives and friends.

Cremation has occurred at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory, Manitowoc, and funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 17, 2022 at First German Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1033 South 8 ^th Street, Manitowoc. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Jacob Hoff. Military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post 88 of Manitowoc. Elmer will be laid to rest at Knollwood Memorial Gardens at a later date.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 17, 2022 at First German Evangelical Lutheran Church, Manitowoc.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com .

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory of Manitowoc is assisting the Behnke family with funeral arrangements.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the doctors and staff at Aurora Medical Center, Two Rivers, for the care and compassion shown to Elmer and his family.