Esther Behnke

Behnke, Esther G. OREGON - Esther G. Behnke, age 74, of Oregon, peacefully passed away on Friday, July 6, 2007, at her home, surrounded by family. She was born on Dec. 16, 1932, in Morrill, Maine, the daughter of Harold and Doris (Brown) Mehuren. In 1950, Esther graduated from high school in Liberty, Maine. She served in the Air Force in 1951 and 1952. Esther married Dale Behnke on Nov. 1, 1952, with a military wedding at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantul, Ill. She was an insurance adjuster for American Family and WPS Insurance. Esther enjoyed the outdoors. She also enjoyed quilting, knitting and crocheting, making over 500 quilts and knitted baby caps, many of which were donated to hospitals. Esther is survived by her husband of 55 years, Dale; her children, Bradley Dean, Tami Jarvie of Australia, Kevin (Denyse) Lee of Oregon, Brenda Kay Day of Connecticut; grandchildren, Mathew and Ashley Behnke, Grant and Brooke Jarvie, Ryan and Taylor Behnke, Weston and Melissa Day; a great-grandson, Joe Jarvie; and siblings, Carrie Cross of Belmont, Maine, Earl (Lorraine) Mehuren of South Bury, Conn., twin sister Edith (Wayne) DeVoe, Howard (Joyce) Mehuren and John Mehuren. Esther was preceded in death by her siblings, Donald Mehuren and Hazel Lucas. Funeral services will be held at ST. JOHNS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood Drive, Oregon, on Tuesday, July 10, 2007, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Paul Markquart presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Dr (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com