Donald W. Behnke

Donald Behnke, age 102 years young, passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at St. Clare Hospital after a short bout with pneumonia.Don was born on December 2, 1913 to William and Lydia (Block) Behnke on their Ableman Road farm in Rock Springs. He graduated from Baraboo High School and later met 17 year old Helen Angell one day as he was hunting clams on the Baraboo River by Ochsner's Park. The pair quickly fell in love and Don married the love of his life on January 1, 1936 in Baraboo, WI, after which they drove all the way to Madison with Helen's mother to enjoy a wedding dinner. They remained married for 80 years until his beloved Helen died last April. Don and Helen lived in the same home on 11th St their entire marriage until six years ago when they moved into Oak Park Place.Don spent 17 years in the military, beginning with the National Guard before being activated to the Army to serve in World War II. He was quickly promoted to the position of Captain and fought in the legendary "Battle of Buma." Don never had children to share his stories with, but his stories of the war were told to his nieces and nephews in his later years and always generated shock and interest. His memory was amazing.Don was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers and was a mail carrier for over 20 years here in Baraboo until his retirement. He retired the same day that the local post office bought their first vehicle for letter carriers to use. Don's route was always done on foot, rain or shine. He stayed fit until the day that he died. Always had a skip in his step and was often difficult to keep up with when walking, even at the age of 100 years. Don was a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, USA; The 32nd Division Veteran Association, as well as a lifelong member of the American Legion. He was a staunch Republican. His passions throughout life were hunting, trapping, and fishing. He could also be persuaded to accompany his wife on the golf course, do some bird watching, and travel the country. He loved to watch golf and baseball on television and enjoyed his regular visits from his niece's husband, Fred, always looking forward to having a beer or a whiskey in the late afternoon while sharing stories.Don is survived by his nieces Jill (Fred) Quandt of Baraboo, Patricia Harry of Colorado, nephew David (Barbara) Angell of Oshkosh as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.He was preceded in death by his entire immediate family.Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at Pine Hill Cemetery in Rock Springs. Military Rites will be conducted by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.