Norman Behlke

BEHLKE, NORMAN F. DEERFIELD/WATERTOWN Norman F. Behlke, surrounded by his family, passed away at his home in Deerfield after a courageous battle with cancer. Beloved father, husband and friend was called home on his final ride on September 26, 2010 at age 82. He was born on January 11, 1928 to Edna (Kunert) and Edmund Behlke in the Town of Shields, Dodge County, WI, the 8th of 11 children. He was educated through 8th grade. By age 16 he was living on his own. He married Genevieve Shackley on August 4, 1946 at Farmington Lutheran Church in Farmington, WI, They were blessed with 4 children: Randy, Ralph, Roger and Dawn. Norman was capable at any challenge he took on and used his talents in the careers of: the military, a carpenter, a police officer, owned a soft water business and owned a tavern. He was an active member of Jefferson County Lodge #9 F&AM, Martha Chapter #66 OES. He was a 50 year member of both the Lodge and Chapter. Norman was also active in Royal Arch, Council, Commandery, Sahara Shrine Club and the Scottish Rite. As a member of Zor Shrine he enjoyed many trips escorting children to the Shrine Childrens Hospital in Chicago. He claimed to be the best Cribbage player in the USA and kept that claim alive by out playing all who would try. Besides cribbage, he played numerous card games which he enjoyed playing with his friends at the Deerfield Community Center. He enjoyed his yellow Goldwing motorcycle and traveled throughout all 48 lower states on that bright yellow motorcycle to share time with his beloved family and friends. Family was most important to him, he was present at almost every family event of his children and grandchildren until his health failed. He is survived by his four children and spouses Randal (Jessica) Behlke, Ralph (Michelle) Behlke, Roger (Mary) Behlke and Dawn (Ed) Bergren, 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, sibling Paul Behlke, Rodell (Millie) Behlke, Florence (Bob) Draeger and Georgiann Wasmund, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 plus years, Genevieve on February 23, 1997, his parents and siblings Vernon Behlke, Merlin Behlke, Dorothy Ziemer, Gladys Newby and Grace Newby. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home in Watertown, WI, Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and a Masonic Memorial service will be held at 7:30 PM. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday morning at 10:30 AM with Pastor Ron Kral officiating, interment will follow at Glenview Memorial Gardens in Ixonia, WI, There will be visitation on Friday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the funeral home. The family would like to Thank HospiceCare, Inc. for their care and help during these trying days and a special thank you to all of Normans friends and family for their prayers and help. Memorials can be given to the Shrine Children Hospital in Chicago or the Deerfield Community in Deerfield, WI