Herbert Charles Behnke, age 86 of Brillion, went to heaven on Tue. May 17, 2011 with his family at his side, after a 5 year battle with cancer. He was born on March 14, 1925 in Brillion, son of the late Melvin & Anna (Bubolz) Behnke. He married Doris Baier on March 29, 1952 at Trinity in Brillion. Other than the love Herbie had for his family, he loved being a drummer for more than 68 years. The many bands he played with were the Brillion City Band, the U.S. Navy Band, Lawrence Duchow Orchestra, Romy Gosz Orchestra, Tony Gosz Band, Gene Heir Orchestra, Elroy Burcholtz Orchestra, Conrad Kopitzke Band, and Jerry Schneider Band just to name a few. He worked at the Brillion Iron Works for 36 years retiring in 1991. Herbie was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Brillion and the Wisconsin Musicians Association and was awarded Side Man of the Year. He also helped start the Top of The Ledge Campground in Chilton. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Doris, his children, Karen Bissonnette, Susan (Ron) Kleinhans, Sally (Blain) Keuer, Patsy (Dan) Geiger, Peggy (Ron) Shamburek , and Randy Behnke, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, a brother Melroy (Joyce) Behnke, and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, and a son-in-law Michael Bissonnette. Funeral service will be held on Sat. May 21st at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 601 E. National Ave, Brillion. The Rev. Ross Henzi will officiate. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Sat. from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. The Wieting Funeral Home in Brillion is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.wieting-funeralhome.com. The family wishes to thank West Haven of Brillion, Bellin Health and Bellin Hospital, Unity Hospice, the Calumet County Home Health Care, and Pastors Henzi and Bourman for all the help and care given to Herbie and his family.
