Ronald Behnke

Ronald "Ron" Behnke, 84, of Cassopolis, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Ron was born on July 1, 1941, to Emil and Eva (Bennett) Behnke in Dowagiac, Michigan. He graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1960, where he was a member of the football and track teams, and a proud member of Dowagiac's first-ever wrestling team.

Ron met the love of his life, Barb, in the 7th grade at the Polish Dance Hall in Dowagiac. They married on January 20, 1961, and spent decades building a life together on their farm in Cassopolis. A lifetime resident of Cass County, Ron worked at Rudy and Sunstrand, forging friendships that lasted a lifetime. He was also a skilled mason, a craft he learned from his father. Ron never met a stranger; he was a master storyteller who always had a joke ready to share, often turning a trip to town into an hour of laughter. To those who knew him best, he was Dad, Grandpa, Papa, Jaws, or Booray.

Ron was a "road farmer," putting countless miles on his vehicles to deliver food and goods to family and friends. He was a fixture in the community, and many will remember him as "Ronnie the pickle man." He took great pride in sharing his famous recipes and teaching anyone willing to learn. Ron loved his hunting trips to Wyoming, fishing in the U.P. and Canada, and spent his retirement antiquing across the U.S. with Barb and tending to their garden. Ron was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed playing cards, canning, and was an active member of the Dowagiac Lions, Moose Lodge, and Conservation Club.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Barb; parents, son-in-law, Jeff Johnson, and brother-in-law, Jim Polashak. He is survived by his children, John (Tina) Behnke, Judy Johnson, and Jamey Behnke; grandchildren, Kyle (Johanna) Johnson, Matthew (Kelley) Behnke, Valerie (Erik) Tapia, Nathan (Lauren) Behnke, James (Shayna) Behnke, and Sonny (Chelsea) Behnke; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Sherry Polashak, Bill (Karen) Behnke, brother-in-law, Bill (Elane) Firestone; and countless nieces, nephews, and loving friends. Ron enjoyed a life well lived. He was truly a one-of-a-kind person who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Memorial Gathering to celebrate Ron's life will be held from 12:00 – 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Dowagiac Lions Club, 28606 Blue Bird St, Dowagiac. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ron's name may be directed to the Dowagiac Wrestling Team. Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, Dowagiac. Those wishing to share a memory or leave condolences are invited to visit Ron's personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.