Elizabeth “Betty” (Doelker) Behnke, age 96, of Manitowoc passed away on June 18, 2023, in Manitowoc.
Betty Doelker, only child of the late Adolf and Gertrud (Geissler) Doelker was born in Sheboygan on October 4, 1926. In 1941 she along with her parents moved to Fond du Lac, where she graduated from Fond du Lac High School with the class of 1945. Before continuing her education, her employment included office positions at the Fond du Lac Commonwealth Reporter and Automotive Sales and Service. She then attended Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Oshkosh and graduated in 1954, going on to attend the University of Minnesota where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health Nursing in June of 1960. Betty was a Director of the Visiting Nurse Service working in Oshkosh, Washington, Manitowoc, and Calumet Counties. She worked at the Zurich Kanton Hospital in Switzerland. In 1988 she retired from Lakeshore Technical College as the School Nurse in Health Services.
On November 2, 1963, Betty married Leroy J. Behnke at the United Church of Christ in Fond du Lac. He preceded her in death on June 5, 2006. The couple lived in Manitowoc all their married lives. Betty was a life member of the American Association of University Women and Honorary Life Member of the Wisconsin Nurses Association.
Survivors include the Behnke family relatives: brother-in-law: Henry Behnke, Reedsville; Nieces and Nephews: Bruce (Vickie) Behnke, Suamico; Susan (Ron) Schmitz, Doral, FL; Debbie (Paul) Christian, Carlsbad, CA; Rev. Tom (Karen) Behnke, N. Fond du Lac; Katherine (Rev. John) Roekle, Racine. Also surviving are cousins in Switzerland. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Leroy; brothers- in- law and sisters-in-law: Doris, Lemerl (LaVerne) Behnke, Orval (Ruth) Behnke; and a niece and her husband Brenda (Mike) Vanden Avond.
She also enjoyed and appreciated the variety of kind, caring friends whom she felt it was a privilege to know, the conversations and laughter were great.
Cremation has taken place with burial in Evergreen Cemetery. According to Betty’s wishes there will be no services.
Lakeshore family funeral Homes, Pfeffer location is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfunerlahomes.com
