Anthony J. "Tony" Behnke, 77, of Battle Creek, died Thu, May 7, 1992, at his daughter's home after a lengthy illness.
He was born Jun 24, 1914, in Dowagiac to Lewis and Mary (Forster) Behnke. He grew up in Dowagiac, lived in Battle Creek from 1944 to 1963 and moved to Kalkaska in 1975. He returned to Battle Creek in 1990.
He married Margaret "June" Neff on Sep 24, 1938, in Dowagiac. She died in 1989.
Mr. Behnke was a 1933 graduate of Dowagiac High School and attended Western Michigan College's Dowagiac branch for one year.
He was employed by Michigan Bell from 1937 to 1975 and was district manager at the time of his retirement.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Battle Creek, Elks Lodge 131 in Battle Creek, Knights of Columbus Lodge 7419 in Kalkaska and Telephone Pioneers of America. He was a former Civitan member.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, carpentry, building and spending time with his family.
Surviving are a son, Thomas E. Behnke of Gaylord; a daughter, Margaret A. Campbell of Battle Creek; sisters, Barbara Stafford of Kalamazoo and Theresa Healy of South Bend, IN; four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Besides his wife he was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters.
Funeral mass was held Sat, May 9, 1992 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were made by Richard A. Henry Funeral Home of Battle Creek.
Memorials may be sent to Good Samaritan Hospice Care of Visiting Nurse Services of Battle Creek.
