Bernice M. Behnke

Bernice M. Behnke, 89, of Charles City, died Monday, March 9, 2009, at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

Funeral services for Bernice Behnke will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City. Pastor David Werges will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Bernice Marie Hicks Behnke was born September 17, 1919, at Charles City, the daughter of Myrl and Bertha (Krogman) Hicks. She graduated from the Charles City High School and received her teaching certificate from the Iowa State Teachers College. On June 21, 1941, she was united in marriage to Harlan “Beans” Behnke at the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Charles City, by Reverend Fritschel. Bernice was a teacher and also employed at Oliver/White Farm. She was a member of the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Church Circle, Women’s Club and McKinley Home Craft. Her interests included gardening, arranging flowers, buying and selling antiques, spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Living family members include her son, Larry (Dianne) Behnke of Waverly; grandson, Cameron (Jessica) Behnke of Waterloo; granddaughter, Jennifer (Ryan) Buhr of Denver; great grandson, Blaine Buhr; great granddaughter, Olivia Buhr; brother, Kenneth Hicks of Charles City; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 South Main St. Charles City, IA 50616.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.