Christian H. Behnke, a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, passed on August 26, 2009 at the age of 84. He was born May 31, 1925, in Schenectady New York. His childhood was spent in Washington DC, where he became an Eagle Scout. Chris served his country in the 5th Marine Division and was assigned to the howitzer Glamour Gal, the gun that had been chosen to fire the first shot on the island of Iwo Jima. The media had been embedded to film the event, and because of this, he was given the nickname "Hollywood" for his appearance in the film. In later years, he was asked to recount those experiences annually for a class at Old Dominion University. On Easter Sunday in 1948, he married his sweetheart Lynda in St. Mathews Lutheran Church. That began a romance that lasted 61 years. They had four children and four grandchildren, all of whom adored him and thought they were his favorite. He retired from Conrail in 1985, and his travels as a conductor and a brakeman in the DC to New York corridor was the source of many a good story - including the realization that the then-senator of Delaware, Joe Biden, will talk to anyone! He moved to Knotts Island, N.C. In 1971, where he attended First Lutheran Church of Norfolk. His charming personality and generous spirit made him endeared by even casual acquaintances. The wonderful memories he gave us will be treasured always in our hearts. Chris is survived by his wife Lynda; son David; daughters Donna, Debora, and Denise; and grandchildren William-Michael, Derrick, Daniel, and Corrine. There will be no public service to honor his life. Any remembrances may be made to the charity, ELCA World Hunger.ELCA World Hunger.
Christian H. Behnke, a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, passed on August 26, 2009 at the age of 84. He was born May 31, 1925, in Schenectady New York. His childhood was spent in Washington DC, where he became an Eagle Scout. Chris served his country in the 5th Marine Division and was assigned to the howitzer Glamour Gal, the gun that had been chosen to fire the first shot on the island of Iwo Jima. The media had been embedded to film the event, and because of this, he was given the nickname "Hollywood" for his appearance in the film. In later years, he was asked to recount those experiences annually for a class at Old Dominion University. On Easter Sunday in 1948, he married his sweetheart Lynda in St. Mathews Lutheran Church. That began a romance that lasted 61 years. They had four children and four grandchildren, all of whom adored him and thought they were his favorite. He retired from Conrail in 1985, and his travels as a conductor and a brakeman in the DC to New York corridor was the source of many a good story - including the realization that the then-senator of Delaware, Joe Biden, will talk to anyone! He moved to Knotts Island, N.C. In 1971, where he attended First Lutheran Church of Norfolk. His charming personality and generous spirit made him endeared by even casual acquaintances. The wonderful memories he gave us will be treasured always in our hearts. Chris is survived by his wife Lynda; son David; daughters Donna, Debora, and Denise; and grandchildren William-Michael, Derrick, Daniel, and Corrine. There will be no public service to honor his life. Any remembrances may be made to the charity, ELCA World Hunger.ELCA World Hunger.
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
