Karen J. Behnke, age 54, of 340 Hoover Street, Whitelaw, entered eternal life on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at the Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Karen was born on December 24, 1960 in Manitowoc. She was the daughter of the late John and Gladys Jachimstal Grapentine. Karen attended Lincoln High School and was employed with Wal Mart for over 20 years until poor health forced her to retire. On July 15, 1983 she married Robert A. Behnke at First German Ev. Lutheran Church in Manitowoc. Karen was a member of St. John St. James Ev. Lutheran Church in Reedsville. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, camping, and riding her moped.

She is survived by her husband of 31 years: Bob; two children: Jessica (Justin) Loose, Reedsville; Michael Behnke, Whitelaw; one grandson: Keltyn Loose; five sisters: Sharon (Conrad) Gadzinski, Manitowoc; Roseann Brennan, Manitowoc; Marie Grapentine and her partner, Jean Erickson, Manitowoc; Kay Loveless and special friend, Al Hoes, Manitowoc; and Beth (Troy) Copeland, Manitowoc; two brothers: John Grapetine, Manitowoc; Gary (Darsie) Grapentine, Manitowoc, nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: John and Gladys Grapentine; and her brother-in-law: Cliff Brennan.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2015 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. Ross Henzi. Cremation will follow at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. Relatives and friends may call at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Following the funeral service there will be a luncheon for relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the funeral home.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.