Jon Gary Behnken

His love for his family and friends, his cats, Harley Davidson, and the Minnesota Vikings was never-ending. Jon Gary Behnken passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 19, 2023.

Jon was born in Austin, MN on July 18, 1968. He resided in Blooming Prairie, MN until he graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1986. He then went on to attend Winona State University and graduated with a major in finance. He continued his education to become a successful Certified Management Accountant and a Chartered Insurance Operations Professional in the business and finance industry. Jon married his wife, Shannon on October 5, 2000. They built a beautiful home together and lived in Apple Valley, MN.

He loved spending time with his wife Shannon, his family, and his extended group of friends.  Jon adored his cats (all of them his whole life) as if they were his children. He loved animals and living with a wooded back yard, he would feed the local wildlife and built a sanctuary for them to visit. Jon loved riding his Harley Davidson with Shannon, by himself, or with friends on a warm summer day but was not afraid to bundle up in his leathers when the weather got cooler.  Jon’s love for the Minnesota Vikings was so that you only dared to call and interrupt his viewing during the entire season. Jon was hopeful the Vikings would be Super Bowl bound this year.

Jon was known to have the kindest and most endearing heart. His love and care for his wife, his family, and his friends was unending. Jon would always reach out with a call or a text when someone needed it celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just to plainly send a joke that would make someone laugh. His friendships had been long and close to his heart stretching to many parts of the US and beyond. Many felt Jon to be like a brother to them.

Jon is survived by his wife, Shannon; parents, Betty and Ken; brothers, Jay (Ann) and Jef (Sandy); sister, Sarah (Steve); nieces and nephews, Hannah, Jacob, Sofia, Jenna, Nicholas, Rocco, and Maddox; brother-in-law, Nathan (Audrey) and niece, Lissette; beloved cats, Pueds, Tux, and Jasmine; and many fellow Awesome Blossoms.

Jon was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Clarence and Bethel; maternal grandparents, Gary and Eleanor “Gunker”; nephew, Tyler; niece, Katlynn; and his dear friend, Tommy. 

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. Visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 27, at the Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie and will continue from 1:30-2:30 p.m. prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. In honor of Jon, wearing something Vikings or Harley gear is welcome. Interment will be in First Lutheran Cemetery, Blooming Prairie. Memorials are preferred to Pet Haven of MN, Inc or Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities in memorial of Jon. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.