Terry Lynn Behlke

1951 - 2024

Fort Atkinson, WI - Terry Lynn Behlke, 73, of Fort Atkinson, passed away peacefully on 12/16/2024 after a sudden illness, surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, care, laughter, and joy. Born in Fort Atkinson to Lawrence and Dorothea (Trieloff) Behlke, Terry was a 1969 Fort Atkinson High School graduate and a lifetime St. Paul's Lutheran Church member. She married her longtime love, James Cheek, on 8/26/06. Terry worked at Moore's Seafood and Moe Brothers Lighting before landing at UW-Whitewater as a University Service Program Associate, where she worked in continuing education and loved planning camps and conferences for students and staff until she retired in 2012 after 34 years. Known for her boundless compassion, Terry devoted herself to caring for her husband, mother, and sister, selflessly supporting her loved ones through life's most challenging moments. She had a special gift for bringing joy to others and found deep fulfillment in her relationships. Terry enjoyed various sports and cherished the relationships formed over a game of golf, bowling, or softball. She loved introducing her great-nieces to her favorites and was known for hosting many Packer parties. Gardening was another of Terry's great passions. Terry took special joy in adding plants from friends and family to bring a personal connection to everything she grew. She regularly tended the gravesites of loved ones with great pride. Death did not sever her deep love and respect for family. Terry was an avid traveler with a zest for seeing new places and regularly visiting her favorites. She loved experiencing adventure and dining out with friends and family and encouraged those around her to do the same. Though Terry had no children, she formed close, loving bonds with her stepchildren, nieces, and nephews and treasured her dogs as family.

Terry was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Gloria Graffin. She is survived and forever cherished by her husband Jim, step-children James (Brittany) Cheek Jr., Jennifer (Christopher Ott) Cheek, step-grandchildren Zack Cheek, Michael Lodl, Adam and Kassie Swenson, Samantha Stratton, nephew Tim (Marsha) Graffin, great-nieces Shelby (Mike) Hartwig and Holly (Mike Riesterer) Graffin, great-great nephew Sawyer Riesterer, several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and their families, extended relatives and friends.

The memorial service will be on January 8, 2025, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Fort Atkinson, at 11 AM, visitation 9-11 AM. Per Terry's wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Jefferson County to honor Terry's love for her dog Lexi and other beloved pets. Terry's life reminds us that the greatest gift we can offer is our time, care, and love. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com