Gerald E. "Jerry" Behnke

Gerald E. "Jerry" Behnke, age 80 of Manitowoc entered eternal life on Friday, May 24, 2024.
Jerry was born on September 23, 1943 to George and Anna (Duddek) Behnke in Coleman, WI. Jerry was baptized on November 14, 1943 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Coleman and confirmed his faith on June 2nd, 1957. He graduated from Oconto High School in May of 1961. Jerry married Christy Hagen on April 29th, 1967 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Two Rivers where he was a member at the time of his passing. Jerry served his Savior by all he did during his lifetime.
Jerry and his wife were blessed with four daughters and later became foster parents for Manitowoc County for 16 years. They were blessed to adopt 3 of those children. Jerry was employed at Mirro for 39 years until it's closing. During five of those years he managed the Labor Hall in Two Rivers. He also enjoyed driving bus for Two Rivers Buses in the afternoons. He loved his little Head Start Kids.
With the closing of Mirro in 2000, Jerry worked part time as a janitor at Manitowoc Lutheran High School. In retirement, he helped his wife manage Peter's Pantry.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Chris; his children: Amy (Jeff) Larson, Appleton, Holly (Todd) Schneider, Slinger, Tracy Reinhard, Manitowoc, Neysa Behnke, Two Rivers, Amibeth (John) Olderman, Manitowoc, Kayla Behnke, Manitowoc, Steven Behnke, Manitowoc; 12 grandchildren: Hannah (Joe) Noah, Chloe Larson, Jordan Schneider, Sydney (Aaron) Shafranski, Payton Schneider (Kyle), Megan (Jared) Reinhard, Seth and Zachary Reinhard, Prudence and Coltin Swartz and Ezekiel Behnke, step grandson: Eric (Jashini) Larson and their children Holden and Joey Sue, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Sally (Dale) Becker, Carol Nelson, David Hagen; one special niece: Bonnie (John) Tank, as well as other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: George and Anna Behnke; one sister: Marie Hoffmann; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Stewart and Betty Hagen; two brothers-in-law: Gary Hoffmann, Dennis Nelson; one nephew: Alan Lee Becker, and special son-in-law: Scott Reinhard.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, May 31, 2024 at St. Johns Ev. Lutheran Church, 3607 45th Street, Two Rivers. Rev. David Arndt will officiate with burial at Knollwood Memorial Gardens at a later date. The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday at the church from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm. The family would appreciate memorial donation in Jerry's name for St. Johns Ev. Lutheran Church, Two Rivers.
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home Manitowoc location assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Hebrews 10:23
"Let us hold on firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, since He who promised is faithful"
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