Mary Behnke, age 85, of 3212 Kete Street, Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at her residence with her family by her side.

Mary was born May 14, 1927 in Gordon County, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late Barney and Lois Luffman Williams. Mary was the store manager at the Holly Shop and was also employed at Copps Food Store and Robert Hall Men's Clothing Store. On February 5, 1944 she married Harvey Behnke in Valdosta, Georgia. He preceded her in death on January 3, 1996. Mary was a member of First German Ev. Lutheran Church and the Manitowoc Senior Center.

She is survived by two sons and one daughter-in-law: Robert and Rebecca Behnke, Charlotte, NC; Paul Behnke, Phoeniz, AZ; four grandchildren: Aaron (fiancé Jessica Richardson) Behnke, Rachel (Michael) Moss, Jennifer (Ryan) Montano and Justin (significant other Caitlin Kirlin) Behnke; six great grandchildren: Emory Ashton Moss, Shayla Rose Moss, Madison Rose Behnke, Alexa Grace Behnke, Jace Paul Behnke, Jaxon Paul Behnke; along with other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: Barney and Lois Williams; husband: Harvey Behnke; one son in infancy: Michael.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 28, 2012 at First German Ev. Lutheran Church, 1033 South 8th Street, Manitowoc. Officiating will be Rev. Benjamin Schaefer with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc. Relatives and friends may call at First German Ev. Lutheran Church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00.

Online condolences for the family can be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

Memorials would be appreciated to First German Ev. Lutheran School.

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