Obituary: Allan G. Behnke

Allan G. Behnke, age 87, formerly of Reedsville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Shady Lane in Manitowoc.

Allan was born on January 15, 1939, in Collins, son of the late Elmer & Sylvia (Bratz) Behnke.  He was a graduate of Valders High School, class of 1957.  He served our country in the United States Army National Guard.  On April 23, 1960, he married Joan Richter at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Collins.  Allan worked at a few places over the years, starting his career at the Brillion Iron Works, running the family farm when his father passed away, and then worked at Fleet Farm until his retirement.  Allan enjoyed hunting all types of game, and he was one of the founding members of the Rockea Hunting Club.  He and Joan belonged to the Collins Snowmobiling Club earlier in their marriage, and over the years went on bus trips to various parts of the United States.  Allan always enjoyed talking about farming and football, and was a big fan of cookies and sweets, including ice cream.  But most of all, Allan loved spending time with his family.

Allan is survived by his wife, Joan; their children: Kay Lynn (Albert) Geiger, Doug (Jennifer) Behnke, and Jennifer Staudinger; grandchildren: Brooke (Shane) Thomas, April (Jordan) Torrison, Breanna (Alex) Kaiser, Nathan and Katie Behnke, Eli, Ethan, and Isaac Staudinger; one great-grandchild on the way; in-laws: Janice Behnke, Ardyce (John) Svatek, Glen (Sharon) Richter, Barb (Steve) Keltesch; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Delmar & Ruby Richter; one granddaughter: Hannah Geiger; siblings and in-laws: Doris (John) Lemke, Elmer Behnke Jr., Carol (Donald) Holtz; and other relatives. 

Funeral Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026 at St. John St. James Ev. Lutheran Church in Reedsville.  Officiating will be Rev. Darin Aden.  Burial will be in the Westside Cemetery.

The family will greet relatives and friends at church on Monday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. 

Online condolences may be made www.pielhop.com

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Shady Lane on the “D Wing” for their care and compassion for Allan over the past few years.

The Pielhop Funeral Homes of Reedsville & Brillion are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.