Brian Charles Behnke

Brian was born on September 18 1952 at Oceanside Hospital, Oceanside, New York. His parents were Leopold August Charles Behnke, and Evelyn Ruth Ireland Behnke. He grew up on Long Island New York and as the younger brother of 3, he survived the torment of both older brothers. Brian was raised in the Lutheran Church where his Dad sung in the choir.

His two brothers survive Brian: Bruce Leopold Behnke, Douglas August Behnke, and his Son Douglas Edward Behnke.

Brian’s favorite pet was a Highland Terrier named Spot. He taught it to fold its paws over its head and pray before giving it food.

Brian shared a love of sports cars with his brothers during his teen years. Sunday afternoon was often spent working on and riding in their various sports cars. It was that love that almost took all our lives in 1970 when Doug’s sports car slid off a mountain road in Tennessee flipping over 3 times and landed just feet from the river. Both his older brothers wound up in the hospital with life threatening injuries. Brian was thrown out early and had minor injuries. It was Brian at 18 who held everything together until our parents arrived from NY. The Lord was truly watching out for us.

No matter what phase of our lives we were in, our Christian roots were solid, and continually drew us back to the lord. I remember the day Brian told me he was called by the Lord to go to Bible College. He was in his early 60’s. Many tried to discourage him because of his age. Brian had recently re-accepted the Lord as Savior and he was determined. I encouraged him to follow the Lord’s leading and do what the thought was best. He sold his condo, gave up everything, sold all his possessions or gave them away, and with nothing but his cloths in his car, headed off to Bible College. After 4 years he graduated. Brian never lost his stubborn German attitude he got from our father but the Lord gave him a grace and peace that only comes from truly knowing the Lord.