Martin R. Behnke, age 90, a Manitowoc resident, entered into eternal life with his wife Julia by his side on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center in Manitowoc.

Martin was born on March 28, 1921 in the Town of Rockland, Manitowoc County to the late Adolph and Ida Last Behnke. He attended William Penn School in Wells. On May 21, 1949, Martin married Julia Schmitz at the former Immanuel Ev. Reformed Church in Kaukauna. He began his working career at his father's farm and also other neighboring farms and threshing crews. Martin then became employed at Thilmany Paper Company of Kaukauna where he met his wife, Julia. He then worked at Invincible Metal Furniture Company until his retirement in 1985. Martin enjoyed reading – especially his Bible, helping on his son's farm, and above all cherished the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren and family. He was a former member of St. John St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Reedsville, and is currently a member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. He served on various committees at both churches.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Julia; seven children: Leon (Donna) Behnke, Abrams; Suzanne (Donald) Knuth, Fond du Lac; Charles (Kathleen) Behnke, Manitowoc; Douglas (Sue) Behnke, Manitowoc; Jerry (Joan) Behnke, Manitowoc; Patricia (Patrick) McDivitt, Moline, IL; Randall (Terri) Behnke, Manitowoc; one daughter-in-law: Gail Behnke, Sheboygan; 17 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; one sister: Sophie Jandrey, Manitowoc; one sister-in-law: Loretta Behnke, Brillion; one brother-in-law: Orville Stecker, Stockbridge; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Martin was preceded in death by one son: DeWayne Behnke; one grandson: Trevor Behnke; daughter-in-law: Patricia Behnke; two brothers: Roland and Aaron Behnke; three sisters and brothers-in-law: Rosalina Stecker, Josephine (Raymond) Kraus, Helene (Harold) Zahn, and Charles Jandrey; one nephew: James Stecker; and one niece: Lila Mae Behnke.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, August 15, 2011 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manitowoc from 4 pm until 8 pm. The visitation will continue at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church on Tuesday from 10 am until the time of the funeral service at 11 am. The Rev. Paul Schossow and Rev. Nicholas Maglietto will officiate with entombment to follow at Knollwood Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any memorials to be made to Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manitowoc.

Also a special thank you to the kind and caring health care professionals that assisted in Martin's care.