JoAnne M. Behnke

MADISON-JoAnne M. Behnke, age 87, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2017. She was born on May 31, 1929, in Loreto Ridge, Wis., the daughter of Wilfred and Eleanor (Dwyer) Dederich. She married Robert A. Behnke on June 20, 1953, in Sauk City. JoAnne was a woman of strong faith. She enjoyed hosting holidays, country music, dancing and Friday night Karaoke with her family and friends. Ultimately, spending time with her kids and grandkids brought her the most joy. JoAnne did in-home daycare for many years and continued those relationships with the families she took care of into adulthood. She volunteered as a teacher's aide for special needs kids. JoAnne is survived by her four children, Randy (Barb), Debbie (Scott) Nabholz, Diane (Steve) Suter Hyames and Ron (Heather); grandchildren, Jason (Sarah) Behnke, Bill (fiancée Ondrea) Grill, Andrea (Corey) Fisher, Nick Nabholz, Kaitlyn (Jarred) Curtin, Shawn (Sheena) Behnke, Justin (Beca) Suter, Ryan (Becky) Suter, Garrett (Katie) Suter and Taylor and Trenton Behnke; as well as 14 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by sisters-in-law, Darlene (Gene) Pings and Florence Dederich; brother-in-law, Gordon "Dale" Behnke; and several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert A. Behnke; and six brothers and sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 1 p.m. on Monday March 27, 2017, with Father Michael Radowicz presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420