Behnke, Robert A.

MADISON-Robert A. Behnke, age 79, of Madison, passed away on Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at Trinity Senior Center. He was born on Aug. 17, 1930, in Madison, the son of Arnold and Helen (Crawley) Behnke. Robert graduated from Lodi High School where he played football and was a boxer. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 until 1953. Robert married JoAnne Dederich on June 20, 1953, in Sauk City. He began as a patrolman with the Dane County Traffic Department and retired on Oct. 30, 1985, as a captain of the Dane County Sheriff's Department. Robert enjoyed deer hunting, bowling, golfing, playing guitar and singing country music. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, JoAnne; four children, Randy (Barb), Debra (Scott) Nabholz, Diane Suter (Steve), and Ron (Heather); 11 grandchildren, Jason (Sarah) and Shawn (Sheena) Behnke, Bill and Andrea Grill, Nick and Kaitlyn Nabholz, Justin (Beca), Ryan (Becky), and Garrett Suter (Katie), and Taylor and Trenton Behnke; six great-grandchildren, William, Owen, Jut, Jillian, Calvin, and Brady; a brother, Gordon "Dale" Behnke; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; and sister-in-law, Esther Behnke. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, with Father Francis J. Schmidt presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. A special thank you to the staff at Trinity Senior Center and Hospice for their kind, compassionate care.