Eugene C. Behnke

Eugene C. Behnke, age 82, of Monmouth, Ill., passed away at his residence on Thursday morning November 19, 2009. Gene was born March 28, 1927 in Kewanee, Ill. and is the son of Henry and Anna Milligan Behnke. He was raised in Kewanee where he attended local schools and graduated from Kewanee High School. He then attended Monmouth College, graduated in 1951 and then received a masters degree in education and administration from the University of Colorado. Gene served in the United States Army in the Military Police during World War II serving in Italy (1945 to 1947). Gene married Dorothy Kern on June 9, 1951 in Monmouth. Gene's teaching career began at G&O High School in Henderson where he taught and coached. He then was math teacher and coach at Alwood High School in Woodhull for eight years. In 1961 he came to Monmouth and Monmouth High School where he taught math, coached football and wrestling, and served as Athletic Director. He also served as Principal at both Harding and Garfield elementary schools in Monmouth until his retirement. After retiring Gene taught math at Henry Hill Correctional Center in Galesburg for eight years. He has served on the board of the Warren County YMCA and the Monmouth College Alumni Board. He also is a member of the Monmouth College M Club. He is a member of Faith United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth, and was an avid Chicago Bears Fan. Gene and Dorothy have been involved in the Ely, Minnesota area at Camp Voyageur where he has served as program director numerous years. They've enjoyed summering at their cabin in Ely for many summers. Gene also enjoyed being involved in the "Great Decisions" Program at Monmouth College, but his greatest love was his family and football. Surviving him is his wife, Dorothy Behnke of Monmouth, two daughters Anna (Douglas) Thompson of Ely and Janie (Brian) Hecht of Arden Hills, Minnesota. Two sons survive and are David Behnke of Monmouth and John Behnke of Glendale, California. Three grandchildren Emma Thompson and Anna and Matthew Hecht are surviving. One brother survives: Donald (JoAnn) Behnke of Kewanee. Preceding him in death are his parents, one brother Raymond and a sister Margaret Durham. Services:A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday November 23, 2009 at Faith United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth. Cremation has been accorded. His family plans to receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth. A memorial fund is established for Jamieson Center in Monmouth.