Ferdinand Behnke Chilton Times December 30, 1916

RANTOUL PIONEER IS SUMMONED
In the death of Ferdinand Behnke, which occurred at his home in Hilbert on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 23rd, Calumet County mourns the loss of one of its prominent and most worthy pioneers. His activity and enterprise in the early days had much to do with the settlement and progress of the eastern section of Calumet County and the western section of Manitowoc County. Many of the early settlers remember the Behnke mills which were one of the leading industries of that section and much of the lumber and timbers used by those who had homes to build was secured from that family.

Ferdinand Behnke was a native of Germany and was born in that country Sept. 16, 1839. He came to America with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. John Behnke, in 1849, and they settled on a farm near Watertown, this state, where they remained until 1852 when they purchased a large tract of land in the town of Rockland, Manitowoc County and engaged in farming and lumbering.

In 1863 Mr. Behnke was married to Emelia Krueger and shortly after purchased a tract of land in the town of Rantoul east of Hilbert. While on this farm his wife died and in 1894 he married Mrs. Kohlschmidt. Some twelve years ago they retired from active farm work and purchased a home in Hilbert. He was always an active, energetic man and after leaving the farm enjoyed work about his home and also took an interest in the work of his children.

In the earlier days he was one of the prime movers in the advancement of his town and was also in close touch with the work of building up to county. He was a good husband, kind and indulgent father, a true friend and neighbor. Some two weeks ago he was stricken with paralysis and since then gradually failed until death came relieving him of his sufferings. The funeral was held on Tuesday at his late home in Hilbert and the body was then taken to the Reformed Church in Potter where services were conducted by Rev. H. Schmidt, with interment in the Potter cemetery.

He is survived by his widow, six sons, Edward of New Holstein, William of Oshkosh, Herman of Chilton Town, Otto and Adolph of Hilbert, three daughters, Mrs. Adolph Kasper of Chilton Town, Mrs. Frank Altmann of Wayside, and Mrs. Emil Dinkler of Oshkosh. One step daughter, Mrs. Ernest Hoffmann of Bear Creek and a brother, Albert Behnke of Brillion also survive him.

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