Joseph D. “Joe’ Behnke, age 83, of Hazel Green, WI, completed his earthly journey on November 30, 2022, at home while surrounded by his loving family and constant companion, Bud.  To honor Joe’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Joe’s family.

Joe was born on April 15, 1939, in Dubuque, IA, to Herman and Ruth (Frommelt) Behnke.  Joe was a man who was loved by everyone he met and always enjoyed living a simple life, but most importantly on his terms.  He was united in marriage to Joy K. VanVleck on December 27, 1958.  Together they raised a family of their own which brought them great joy watching them grow up and start their own families.  Sadly, Joy was called home ahead of him by many years, but her presence remained in his heart.  Joe was a pressman at Gartner Printing Co. for 45 years and finished out his working years at Key City Recycling until he finally retired.  He enjoyed the quiet life at that point, but never passed up a chance to do a little fishing or camping whenever the opportunity arose.  But, truth be known, Joe’s greatest joy in this life was when his family, and especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren were by his side.  Any gathering of the family would suffice as a perfect day in Joe’s eyes.  We will miss Joe and his unique attitude moving forward, but will be forever grateful for the years he proudly served as our patriarch.  Thank you, Dad, for continually reminding us that life is what we make it and keeping it simple can be the greatest choice of all.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Joe include,

his children,

Carrie Kinsley, IL,

Mark (Dee) Behnke, Littleton, CO,

Sally (Dan) Francois, Dubuque, IA,

Sue (Clayton) Behnke, Ganesville, TX,

Mike (Lisa) Behnke, Farley, IA,

and Joe (Brenda) Frick, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,

Stephanie (Tony), Taylor (Brandon), Joe, Colleen (Kevin), Scott, Terry (Tiffany), Laura (Brian), Gina, Bailey, Amber (Justin), Katie (Nathan), Abby (Isaac), and Libby;

his great-grandchildren,

Chloe, Jake, Jaxson, Logan, Mickenzy, Eli, Edith, Leah, Kahli, Brynlee, Madison, Piper, Roen, Crew, Madilyn, Charlotte, Cecelia, Paisley, and Sylvie;

his brother,

Bob (Shirley) Behnke, Dubuque, IA;

his sister-in-law,

Joyce Sanders, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous other family, friends, and neighbors.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joy K. Behnke; and his sisters, Diane Frick, Rita Kipper, and Mary Weyart.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Katie G and Stephanie, for their professional and compassionate care and for graciously accommodating Joe’s lifestyle and preferences.

Online condolences may be shared with Joe’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com