Heinz Behnke

Karl-Heinz Ernest Wilhelm Behnke was born January 14, 1926, to Hans and Jenny Hamann Behnke. He passed away Monday, December 17, 2012, at the Morningside Rehab and Care Center in Ida Grove, Iowa, at the age of 86.
Heinz was born in Hamburg, Germany. Heinz played competitive soccer in his youth and worked for the railroad in Germany. After the war he began working as a carpenter. On May 12, 1951, he was united in marriage to Stella Behrmann in Hamburg. The couple immigrated to the United States, coming over by ship in 1952, with Hans Behrmann sponsoring them. They settled in Schleswig, Iowa, and were blessed with the birth of one son. Heinz was employed in the carpentry business, partnering with Petersen Construction. He helped construct the United Church of Christ in Schleswig and built the UCC logo and cross inside the church.
Heinz loved to golf, fish, and refinish antiques. When Boyd moved to Germany in 1996, Heinz and Stella were able to travel several times overseas to visit him. The couple also enjoyed traveling in the United States. Heinz was a member of the United Church of Christ in Schleswig.
Heinz was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers. He is survived by his wife, Stella of Ida Grove; one son, Boyd Behnke and his wife, Nancy of St. Louis, Missouri; two grandchildren, Lindsay and Karl Behnke; one sister, Freya Kaiser of Hamburg, Germany; other relatives and friends.