Betty J. Behnke

Betty J. Behnke, age 74, of Brillion, who treasured the time she spent with her family and friends, died on Monday, February 1, 2016 in Mesa, AZ following a brave battle with Valley Fever. She was born on March 5, 1941 in the Town of Rantoul, daughter of the late Adolph and Lydia (Zahn) Lau. Betty married Darol J. Behnke on October 22, 1960 at Rantoul. She worked at AAL, Sargento Cheese, Steve’s Cheese and Zieglers. She also volunteered at Hidden Treasures in Brillion, the Brillion Public Library and Shepard’s Attic in Chilton.  She took great pride in her flower gardens and loved going on mystery trips.  Betty enjoyed participating in Bible classes, snowmobiling, playing the accordion, camping, traveling, crafts, scrapbooking, playing cards and games with friends. Wintering in Arizona and spending time at their cottage on Long Lake brought many laughs and new friends.  Her favorite color was “sparkle”. Betty was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Wayside and the Red Hats in Brillion. Survivors include her husband Darol, a daughter and son-in-law Faith and Frank Thiel of Greenleaf, 2 grandsons, Alex F. Thiel of Oshkosh and Braden J. Thiel of Greenleaf, a sister Lorraine (Harvey) Bessert of Oshkosh and a brother Eldor Lau of Chilton, a sister-in-law Donna Lau of Potter and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother Wayne Lau, a sister Dolores Wittmann, in-laws Bob Wittmann and Clara Lau. Funeral service will be held on Monday, February 8, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Wayside. The Rev. Austen Welter will officiate. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. There will be a visitation at the church on Monday from 9:30 to NOON with the funeral service to follow at 12:30 p.m. The family wishes to thank the staff at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa, AZ for their compassion in the care given to her.