About
Ann Behnke Obituary
Ann and her former husband traveled the country, when Coast Guard duty assignments took them to Cheboygan, MI, Traverse City, MI, Duluth, MN and Los Angeles, CA. Ann made a home for her children while her husband was aboard ship, often for months at a time.
Ann owned and operated the Seaway Motel in Sault Ste. Marie, MI for more than 30 years. She opened her heart to anyone in need, and often provided those less fortunate a place to rest for the night. After closing the motel, Ann moved in with her daughter Kim and son-in-law Jerry and spent her remaining years with them. Ann loved to read, knit, crochet, build jigsaw puzzles, cooking and gardening. Ann was a devout Christian and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish while she lived in Sault Ste. Marie and St. Paul Catholic Parish in Athens, Alabama when the family relocated.
Ann is survived by her son Bruce Behnke of Ardmore, Alabama, daughter Kim (Jerry) Stephens of Athens, Alabama, brothers Duane (Peggy) Mayer of Yelm, Washington and Dennis (Linda) Mayer of Juneau, Alaska, sister Juleta McFadden of Davenport, Iowa, grandsons Nathan Leask of Jueau, Alaska and Dusty Behnke of Gillette, Wyoming, several great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
Ann was preceded in death by her father Diamond Mayer and mother Jewel (Potter) Smith, her sons Diamond Behnke and Roland "Rob" Behnke, her brother Arthur LaVigne and grandson Christopher Behnke.
Donations in Ann's name can be made to the Hospice of the EUP, 308 W 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. www.hospiceoftheeup.com or St. Joseph Catholic Parish of Sault Ste. Marie.
A celebration of life and graveside interment will be held in Summer 2026 at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, MI.
Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
24549 S. M-129, Pickford, MI 49774
Make a Donation
in Ann Behnke's name
People and places connected with Ann
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Ann's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ann Behnke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
