James Behnke
James “Amos”
Behnke, 71, of Fond du Lac, died on Monday,
April 15, 2019 surrounded by family and friends at St. Agnes Hospital.
He was born on July 2, 1947 in Fond du Lac, the son of Albert A. and Antonia M.
Dorn-Behnke. He was a graduate of L.P. Goodrich High School, Class of 1965.
Jim served in Germany and Vietnam
in the U.S. Army Engineers. Following his service, he worked as a Crane
Operator for Local 139 Operating Engineers. Jim had many talents, skills and
passions. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, woodsman, woodworker and gardener.
He enjoyed his many trips out west elk hunting, moose and bear hunting in
Canada and deer hunting at his land in Fond du Lac, his cottage up north and
over 40 years at Deer Camp with family and friends in Washburn County.
Jim made memories fishing for
years with his friends and family around Fond du Lac, fishing in Canada and
walleye fishing on Put-N-Bay in Lake Erie. Jim loved spending time out in the
woods cutting wood and tapping maple trees for syrup. He always had a project
in mind with his woodworking talents and was a mechanical innovator when it
came to creating add ons to his four wheeler that would assist in many
different projects. Jim appreciated
nature and took pleasure in growing his own fruits and vegetables in his
backyard garden and planting trees out at his land. Later in his life, he
became a brewmaster and winemaker always interested in exploring new recipes
and sharing his current batch with friends and family. Jim could be seen riding
his Harley with the wind in his hair and a smile on his face. He was a dedicated
patron of The Copper Kettle and more recently enjoyed the food, drink and
company at Schmitty’s Oar House. Jim was a mentor and role model to many who
crossed his path, sharing his life lessons and knowledge with others who could
learn from a man of integrity. His deep faith helped guide him in his everyday
life. Jim had a gift of telling stories. His memory and attention to detail was
second to none, laughs and smiles would fill the room as he recalled and shared
his many adventures with his family and friends who enjoyed his conversation
and company. Jim’s presence in the room will truly be missed.
He is survived by his sister and brothers: Karleen A. (Gene) Merwin of
Surprise, AZ, Robert P.
(Lonnie) Behnke
of Fond du Lac and William L. (Donna) Behnke of Fond du Lac and many nieces,
nephews and friends.
He is preceded in death by his
parents, his brother Steve and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
VISITATION:
Family and friends may call on Monday, April 22, 2019, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at
Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac.
CELEBRATION: A celebration of
life will be held at 7:00 p.m. at Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel. Cremation has
taken place with inurnment at Ledgeview Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank
the St. Agnes Hospital Intensive Care Unit for their compassion, care and
support of Jim and his family over the past few weeks.
A memorial has been set up in
Jim’s name and donations will be directed to local non-profit organizations.
Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel &
Crematory is serving the family, www.kurkimachfuneralchapel.com 920-921-4420.