Rosemary Behnke

Rosemary Behnke, age 95, of Reedsburg, WI, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Reedsburg Area Senior Life Center. She was born on June 21, 1930, in LaPorte, IN, the daughter of Andrew and Florence (Hill) Herring. 

She was a 1948 graduate of Baraboo High School. Following high school, Rosemary was employed by the State of Wisconsin as a key punch operator. On February 17, 1950, she was united in marriage to Arthur J. Behnke in Rock Springs, WI.  Art and Rosemary farmed in rural Rock Springs while raising their young family.  Rosemary waitressed for several years at Behnke’s Supper Club in Rock Springs, a job she truly loved, and also held a clerical position in the Baraboo Courthouse.

She and Art enjoyed golfing as a hobby for many years.  Rosemary loved to dance, sing and play the coronet.  She always had a cheerful attitude and enjoyed the company of others.  Above all, she absolutely loved being a grandmother.  Rosemary had a strong faith and was a member of St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Reedsburg.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur J. Behnke on April 1 2022; daughters, Dianna Lewis and Linda Sue, in infancy; grandson, Jonathon Lind; son-in-law, Douglas Smith

She is survived by her children: Duane (Dorothy) Behnke, Richard (Jeanne) Behnke, Judy Smith (Gary Peterson), Jody (Michael) Johnson; grandchildren: Tracy Behnke, Erin Crusan (Heath Green), Rich (Jennifer) Behnke, Jessica (Jason) Stini, and Ethan Johnson; great-grandchildren: Kailey, Alex and Crew.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful and dedicated staff at the Reedsburg Area Senior Life Center. Please know how much a part of our family you all have truly become. We have been blessed by your gifts and service, and truly honored by your care of our mom. Also thank you to Dean and Betty Fernholz, Paula Labansky, Paul Grosskrueger, Pat Behnke and Denny Hill.

Funeral services for Rosemary will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, with Pastor Kris Totzke officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery in Rock Springs. Visitation will be on Wednesday morning from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service.

Memorials of remembrance may be made to St. John ELCA, Reedsburg.