Leslie A. Behnke, 79, of Manitowoc passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee.
Leslie was born on May 5,1946 in Manitowoc to Ferdinand and Geraldine (Junk) Behnke. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School. Leslie served his country in the United States Army. On March 18, 1967, he married Esther Rasmussen, she preceded him in death on September 19, 2016. Leslie served as a Firefighter for the City of Manitowoc for 14 years, and owned and operated Behnke and Sons Construction until his retirement in 2006.
Leslie cherished time spent with his family and will be greatly missed by his sons: Andrew (Zorica) Behnke, St. Nazianz, Allen (special friend Tesha Kono) Behnke, Manitowoc, and Russel Behnke, Oshkosh; grandchildren: Jenna and Brandy; great-grandchild: Blaire; and sister-in-law: Audrey Behnke. He is further survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Leslie was preceded in death by his parents: Ferdinand and Geraldine Behnke; his wife: Esther Behnke; two brothers: Fritz Behnke, and Dallas (Karen) Behnke; and father-in-law and mother-in-law: Orville and Esther Rasmussen.
A life celebration will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Meats Opera Haus, 204 S. 4th Ave, St. Nazianz.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.
