Bernhardt "Bernie" Behlke, of Deerbrook, died peacefully Thursday, August 22, 2019, under the care of LeRoyer Hospice, at his home surrounded by family. He was 80 years old. He was born on October 11, 1938, in Eau Claire, a son of Bernhardt and Verna (Strasburg) Behlke. He married Gail (Hess) Mullis on July 1, 1978 at the United Church of Christ in Kempster.
Bernie was employed in Racine County by Dykstra Brothers Excavating as an operating engineer for 32 years. He was a member of Local 139 for 50 years. In 1984 he moved to Deerbrook.
He was an avid hunter, fisherman and trap shooter. Bernie was a member of the Elcho Trap Club, Case Gun Club in Racine and the Antigo Bow Club, having taught youth archery for 25 years. He was also a member of the United Church of Christ, Kempster, where he served as a Deacon.
Survivors include his wife, Gail; six children, Jeffery Faanes (Lori Jo Evenson) of Eau Claire, Ron (Bernice) Behlke of West Bend, JoAnn (Phillip) Behlke Dunk of Wright City, MO, Tammy (Dennis) Ossoinik of Antigo, Kevin Mullis of Wausau, and Chad Mullis (Kristin King) of Deerbrook; ten grandchildren, Leonda Faanes, David and Sarah Behlke, Caleb and Paige Dunk, Adam Mullis, Ashlie Millard, Tylor Mattern, Carli and Jordan Mullis; one great-grandchild, Athon Mullis; a sister, Bonnie (Al) Berg of Augusta. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Karee Mattern; and sister, Sonja Greene.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 26, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Veldman officiating. Burial will take place in Kempster Lakeside Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, August 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, WI 54409
3 people have supported the family by purchasing them flowers or gifts from the Healing Registry.
Gail,and family! Birnie will never be forgotten by all of us lucky enough to know him! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time! We will miss Birnie at the shop,he was always very good at adding to our intelligent conversations! God Bless!
Gail, I am so sad to learn you and your family have lost Bernie. The picture of him is so telling of his smile and good nature. He always had a wonderful quiet sense of humor that Jack and I admired and respected. Peace to you and all of your family.
Carol S. LaMar
Gail and family, my sympathy to all of you ...Bernie had a way of lighting up a room. We will miss his presence and friendship at our class gatherings. I know you have lots of wonderful memories that will carry you through this difficult time.
Arletta Gylland Rud
ECHS Class of 1956
Sincere sympathy to Gail and family. Bernie was such a nice man....I loved to see/hear him sing karaoke
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your loved one.
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