Carol Evelyn Behnke

Carol Evelyn Behnke (nee Farr), 91, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024. She was born on January 11, 1933, in Preble, Brown County, Wisconsin to the late Russell and Doretta (Martin) Farr. Carol lived most of her life in Manitowoc, and passed away in Milwaukee.

Carol was one of 18 siblings and had 6 children. She worked in factory and restaurant jobs, some of which included Penguin Drive-In, Chuck Wagon Restaurant, Elbow Room, Imperial Eastman, Manitowoc Tinsel Factory, and other local establishments. She worked hard to provide for her family. She was a great seamstress and made many quilts for family and friends. In the last few years, she enjoyed participating in crafts, bingo, and cooking at her Memory Care facility.

She is survived by her children: Cynthia (Gary) Frank, Jerrilynn Burkart, Kathleen Sleckman and daughter-in-law Kathy (Hollen) Behnke, Manitowoc, Jeanne (Kurt) Carbon, Milwaukee, and Robert (Teresa) Behnke, Columbus, Ohio; 12 Grandchildren: Aaron Wallander, Lindsay (Jon) Hansen, Jon Carbon, Kim (Joaquin Rauld) Carbon, Stacie (Jason) Pajewski, Michael Behnke, Eric Behnke, Nick (Maya Gosztyla) Behnke, Haylie Behnke, Stuart Behnke, Grant Behnke, and Maddy Sleckman; 9 Great Grandchildren: Alice and Oliver Pajewski, Jack, Jase and Kaden Rauld, Jillian Rusboldt, Collette Hansen, Brielle Hansen, and Tristan Hansen; and one Great-Great Grandchild, Grayson Theel.

She is also survived by sisters: Marion (Upton) Wiegert, Darlene (William) Moede, Julie (James) Kriel, and Margaret (Helmer) Franzen; sisters-in-laws: Joan Farr, Irene Farr, and Sally Farr; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, James Behnke; brothers: Orville Farr, Donald (Nancy) Farr, Darrell (Carol) Farr, Glynn Farr, Robert (Darlene) Carriveau, Kenneth (Kaye) Carriveau, Myron (Edith) Farr, Russell “Toby” Farr, William Farr, Randy Farr, and James Farr; sisters, Joyce Farr and Bette (Charles) Butler; brother-in law, Clinton Behnke; and sister-in-laws', Evangeline (Harold) Budnik and Laverne (Joseph) Schweigl.

Visitation will take place on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 11:00am at Calvary Chapel Mausoleum (2601 S 14th Street, Manitowoc), followed by a Christian Memorial Service at 11:30am, and a burial after the service.

Carol’s family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Azura Memory Care in Fox Point for their years of kindness and care for Carol and to Allay Hospice for their compassionate care.