Kathleen H. (Genal) Behnke

On February 15, 2025, Kathleen Behnke, 84, passed away at Ballard Glenn Assisted Living.  Her Lord Jesus, welcomed her into his Kingdom where she was reunited with her husband, Marvin Behnke.

Kathleen was born in Oshkosh, WI, to Francis and Angela Genal. She was the youngest of 6 children.

Kathy worked for the US Postal Service in Kaukauna until she retired in 1999. Kathy and Marvin spent the majority of their weekends at their cottage on Long Lake in Brillion. It was there that they met friends who loved the same "cottage activities" as they did. Friday fish-frys, long games of Sheepshead, (with laughter you could hear half-way down the gravel road), and Bed and Breakfast trips were some of their favorite memories with these friends.

Kathy was a very simple person who was grateful for each day that she was given on this earth.  You could often find her sitting in her chair, near the bay window, admiring the simplicity of nature. She was an avid reader and puzzle-maker, but what made her most happy, was just being in her own home.

Kathy was blessed to be neighbors to three beautiful young girls that often kept her company. They enjoyed entertaining her with their dancing, piano concerts and just plain "girl talk". These three girls and their parents were truly a gift from God. They kept an eye on Kathy and helped her in any way they could.  Kathy considered them "family".

Kathy is survived by her three daughters, Stefanie Lorbiecki (OK), Anne Gruett (Jeff), Menasha, Kristine Lorbiecki (OK). She is also survived by Marvin's children, Cynthia Triggs (Mike), TX, Dennis Behnke (Lynn), Brillion, Wendy Mader (Scott),  Neenah and Kevin Behnke (Laura), Wild Rose. She is further survived by 16 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, a brother-in-law, a sister-in-law, and her cat Smokie, who provided constant comfort, right up to the moment of her passing. They shared the most beautiful bond and were inseparable.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, 5 siblings, a granddaughter, and many other close relatives.

A special thank you to the staff at Ballard Glenn Assisted Living, and her dearest friends, Chris, Heather, Zoey, Jazmyn and Zaylyn Menting.

The funeral for Kathy will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St Luke's Church, 705 E. Greenfield Dr., Little Chute.  A time of visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:00 a.m until the time of the service at the church.  For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.       

"Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later." Roman's 8:18