Marilyn J. Behnke, 83, of Kinmundy passed away peacefully at 1:10 pm, Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital, in Springfield, Illinois.
Marilyn was born on December 9, 1939, in Herrick IL, the daughter of the late Elmer and Glapha (Frailey) Pope. She married Harold Behnke on May 12, 1972, in Shelbyville, IL and they shared 48 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on December 27, 2020.
Marilyn was so fun to be around, never a dull moment when you were with her. She loved clothes, make-up, big hair and sunglasses. She was an amazing mother, grandmother (also known as Nanny), and friend. She worked many years as an LPN at Vandalia Terrace and Fayette County Hospital & Long Term Care. She inspired several members of her family to also pursue a career in the medical field. She would laugh and say that there were enough of us nurses and a doctor, that we could staff our own hospital wing. She was also an avid reader and American history buff.
Marilyn is survived by her children: Tamara (James) Burnett of Springfield, Illinois, Rick (Sheila) Herbord of Ramsey, Illinois, Larry (Sondra) Herbord of Vandalia, Illinois, Charles (Tonya) Behnke of Flora, Illinois, Tracy (David) Wollin of St. Peter, Illinois; 16 grandchildren: Marissa Castelletti, Brandon Burnett, Dr. Christopher Burnett, Emily Herbord, Megan Weddle, Derek Herbord, Katie Herbord, Tyler Herbord, Nicholas Sturm, Anthony Sturm, Allison Sturm, Lucas Behnke, Grant Behnke, Jencie Behnke, Paige Behnke, Dennis Wollin; 11 great-grandchildren. Marilyn is also survived by a sister: Carolyn (Ralph) Boehm of Herrick, Illinois.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Harold Behnke; daughter: Christina Behnke Sturm, sister: Shirley Smith.
Memorial graveside services to celebrate Marilyn’s life will be held at 11:00 am Friday, August 11, 2023, at the Iuka Cemetery, Iuka, Illinois, with her grandson Dennis Wollin officiating. Burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Marilyn’s memory to the South Central FFA and will be accepted through the funeral home. The McGriff Funeral Home in Kinmundy is entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or share a memory of Marilyn, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.
