William H. "Wil" Behnfeldt Jr.

1948 - 2024

William "Wil" Henry Behnfeldt Jr., 76, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away at his home on Aug. 9, 2024.

He was born on Feb. 11, 1948, to William H. Behnfeldt Sr. and Regina (Badenhop) Behnfeldt in Napoleon, Ohio. Wil was a 1966 graduate of Tinora High School.

On Feb. 23, 1974, he married the love of his life, Nancy (Kruse) Behnfeldt, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Napoleon.

Wil was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes about what was most important to him in his life: his faith, his family and his country.

Wil was baptized into the Lutheran faith on March 5, 1948. He was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adams Ridge Road, where he served as a deacon, trustee and sexton for many years.

On Oct. 29, 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was a Vietnam veteran and served in the Seabees until he was discharged in 1974. Wil was an active member of the Ward L. Adams Legion Post #454 of Ridgeville Corners.

Following his discharge, he continued in the construction field and in 1976 founded Dutchmen Construction with two friends, which he proudly owned until 2000. In the years that followed, Wil worked as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver for several local companies until he retired in November of 2016.

Wil took great pride in his service and in his work throughout his life. In more recent years, his biggest joy came from spending time with his family and supporting his grandkids in whatever activity they may choose. From music to sports, rain, snow or shine, they could always count on him to be in the stands cheering them on.

Wil is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Behnfeldt; daughters, Kristina (James) Timbrook, Brooklyn, Michigan, and Deanna (Brian) McCabe, Grand Rapids, Ohio; sisters, Janice Rabe, Napoleon, Ohio, and Nancy (Bud Armes) Behnfeldt, Abingdon, Virginia; sister-in-law, Marlene Behnfeldt, Defiance, Ohio; grandkids, Kayla and Leah McCabe and Megan, Tyson, Jordan and Kaitlyn Timbrook; and many friends, nieces and nephews who will forever miss his calm presence, quiet sense of humor, and mischievous smile.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Regina (Badenhop) Behnfeldt and William Behnfeldt Sr.; brothers, Wilbur Behnfeldt and Roger Behnfeldt; sister, Maryann Behnfeldt; brother-in-law, Lester Rabe; and nephew, Matthew Rabe.

Friends and family will be received at the Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon, on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, from 2-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adams Ridge Road, on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at 11 a.m., with an hour of visitation prior to services. Interment will follow at the church cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the Ridgeville American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adams Ridge Road, or the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences and messages may be shared with the family at rodenbergergray.com.