Mark D. Behnke

BEHNKE, Mark D. – of Caledonia, age 77, died peacefully after a brief illness, on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, with family by his side. Honoring Mark's wishes, cremation will be taking place. A memorial service will be held at 2PM Saturday, November 11, 2023, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church – 5125 Cascade Rd. SE, in Grand Rapids. Rev. Jeff Wilhelm officiating. The family will receive visitors at the church on Saturday from 1PM until the time of service at 2PM. Continued fellowship will follow after the service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, or the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.
Mark was born December 21, 1945, in Oak Park, Illinois, to the late Otto and Florence (Treder) Behnke. He graduated from Luther High School South in Chicago with the class of 1963, and in 1968, earned his bachelor's degree in engineering from Valparaiso University in Indiana. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Mark married his high school sweetheart, Carol "Carrie" Hotlen, on June 17, 1967, in Chicago, and they enjoyed 56 wonderful years together. After marriage, they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and joined Christ the King Lutheran Church where they became involved in music ministry and met their best friends, Rita and Don Selke. In 1979, Mark and Carrie moved to Grand Rapids and became faithful members of St. Matthew Lutheran Church for 40 years. Again, Mark became very involved in every aspect of music ministry, bible study, and was the choir director for several years. They later moved to Nashville for five years, and eventually settled in Caledonia for 20 years before moving to Frankenmuth in June 2023. He was proud to live in the German town, even for a short time. Mark retired from Rockwell International, where he worked as an engineer and in sales for 40 years. His engineering skills led him to being quite a perfectionist, especially when it came to maintaining his yard and building decks. He loved music, attending concerts, and was a very talented singer and piano player. He was a member of the Kentwood Community Choir while living in Caledonia. Mark enjoyed boating and loved having a nice glass of wine or martini while sitting by the water listening to James Taylor. His favorite holiday was Thanksgiving and cutting the turkey as the "supreme carver." He liked to cook, especially grilling steaks on Friday nights. He loved his dogs, including the most recent Casey. He loved the Rocky Mountains and the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Mark ran on "Behnke Time" as he was known for always being about 10 minutes late, but though you might have to wait, he was always there for you. He was a dedicated family man who took great pride in caring for others, but nothing compared to the unconditional love he felt while taking care of his loving wife, Carrie, after her stroke.
Surviving are: Wife, Carrie Behnke; Daughters: Jill (Matt) Armentrout, and Sarah Behnke (Kevin Pustulka); Granddaughters: Emma and Lily Armentrout; Sister, Barbara (Monroe) David; Nephew/Godson Steve (Kelly) David, and Nephew Todd (Lisa) David; Special friend, Rita Selke and her children - Rene and Jim; many other loving family members including Don and Pam Elliott, dear friends, and church families. Mark was preceded in death by: Parents, Otto and Florence (Treder) Behnke; Mother-in-law, Betty Hotlen; Fathers-in-law: Curt Hotlen, and Werner Rode; Friend, Don Selke. Please sign our guestbook or share an online condolence with the family at www.oguinnfh.com.
O'Guinn Family Funeral Home
Birch Run Chapel
989.624.9342