Constance "Connie" Y. Behnke

Constance “Connie” Y. Behnke, 80, of Mishawaka, passed away Thursday evening, February 16, 2017 in her home.

Connie was born February 27, 1936 in LaGrange, Indiana, the daughter of the late Gilbert and Marjorie (Spearow) Rasler. She grew up in Walkerton and was the salutatorian of the class of 1954 at Walkerton-Lincoln High School.

Connie met Everett Behnke while working at Uniroyal. They were married on October 5, 1961 and made their home in Mishawaka.

Connie was employed for 15 years as the secretary at Beiger Elementary School. She also worked as secretary and treasurer in the family business, Hard Surface Fabrications in Mishawaka.

Connie was a member of East United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and was active in the women’s circle. She enjoyed getting together with the retired secretaries at School City of Mishawaka. Connie was a great cook and was talented in sewing. She enjoyed flower gardening and caring for her yard. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life.

Connie’s surviving family includes her husband of over 55 years, Everett; seven children, Lance (Diane) Malstaff of South Bend, Lauri Oliver of Minnesota, Karen Sinkiewicz of Edwardsburg, David (Doreen) Behnke of Mishawaka, Kathy (Marty) White of California, Mark Behnke of South Bend and Michelle (Robert) Hatfield of Fort Wayne; 11 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren.

Connie was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Rasler; and one great grandchild.

Services honoring Connie’s life and faith will be held Tuesday, February 21, at 10:30 am in East United Methodist Church, 1621 East 3rd Street, Mishawaka, with Pastor Scott Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger.

Friends may spend time with Connie’s family Monday, February 20, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, and Tuesday from 10:00 – 10:30 am in church.

Memorials are suggested to East United Methodist Church or Center for Hospice Care. Assistance with memorials is available through the funeral home.