Ruth I. Behnke, age 96, formerly of Hilbert, currently a resident at Chilton Care Center, passed away on Sunday, August 26, 2012 surrounded by her family at the center. Ruth was born on March 28, 1916 in the town of Rantoul, daughter of the late Edward & Elise (Klessig) Lemke. On November 14, 1936, she married George C. Behnke at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul. Ruth was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hilbert. She loved spending time with her family. Ruth is survived by two daughters and two sons-in-law: Janice (George R.) Schroeder of Hilbert and Dorothy (Elliot) Maile of Brillion; a daughter-in-law: Caroline Behnke of Chilton; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; one sister: Marcella Liermann of Manitowoc; one brother: Paul Lemke of Hilbert; sister-in-law: Lilly Wunrow of Brillion; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband George C.; one daughter and son-in-law: Florence (Lloyd) Behnke; one son: Ruben Behnke; one sister and brother-in-law: Alice (Armond) Wunrow; one brother and sister-in-law: Henry (Florence) Lemke; two infant sisters and one infant brother; one-brother-in-law: Milton Liermann; and other in-laws. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hilbert. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Brian Crane with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. The service will be at 11:00 a.m. Ruths family would like to thank the staff at Chilton Care Center for their compassion, kindness, and hospitality shown toward her and to us. Online condolences may be made at www.wieting-funeralhome.com
