Dale Behnke

Dale Behnke, age 82, of Mapleton, passed peacefully on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church in Mapleton. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Union Cemetery in Mapleton. Olson-Tichenor Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dale Dean, the son of Otto and Rose (Lavitchke) Behnke, was born February 6, 1939 in Mankato. On May 13, 1961, he was united in marriage to Pamela Kay La Duke at St. John Lutheran Church in Mapleton. Dale was employed at Kato Engineering for 44 years prior to his retirement. He also worked in construction, bartended and did other odd jobs. He was a jack of all trades and enjoyed helping others in the community. Dale loved gardening, wood working, reading, doing puzzles and cheering for the Green Bay Packers. Above all, he adored dogs, chatting with everyone he met, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Dale worked hard, took great pride in his family, and was truly one of a kind.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pam; daughters, Kari (Dave) Vortherms and their children, Katie (Paul) and Megan, Jody (Jason) Meyer, Beth (Jim) VanBrunt, and Tricia (Curt) Pemble and their children, Payton, Chandler and Jack; one great grandson, Clinton; his dog, Haddie; sister, Bonnie Schultz; and brother in law, David Treanor. He is also survived by special niece and nephew, David and Linda Armstrong as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; in laws; sons, Bret and Jim; beloved dog, Bella; and 5 siblings.

Memorial gifts may be directed to B.E.N.C.H.S (a local animal humane society) or the donor’s choice.