Irene Clara Behnke, 86 of Asbury, finished her life journey at home on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.            

Per Irene’s wishes, private family services will be held at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Irene was born January 19, 1938, in Dubuque, the daughter of John Peter and Lena (Loeber) Hansen. On September 9, 1961, she married Laverne Leo Behnke at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Irene worked for Interstate Power, Interstate Finance, and Spahn & Rose Lumber Co.  She was a member of the Church of the Resurrection. Irene also served on the Asbury City Council and the Asbury Fire Department as secretary/treasurer. She was a member of the Dubuqueland Campers. Irene enjoyed camping, playing volleyball, and baking, especially cookies and cream puffs.

Above all, Irene was a terrific mother. Even though she aspired to be a CPA, Irene chose to stay home and raise her four children. She could always be counted on to read to them, help with their homework, and listen to their concerns. Her college care packages had a warm, personal touch and provided much-needed support. This resulted in her children becoming well-educated and an asset to society. She was extremely proud that her kids earned degrees in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, a Ph.D. in Biology and a Juris Doctorate in law. Thanks Mom!

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Laverne; four children, Mike (Mitzi) Behnke of Murphy, TX; Ron (Teresa) Behnke of Cedar Rapids, IA; Cathy (Jon) Rumbley of Duluth, MN; Deb (Matt) Anderson of Des Moines, IA; four grandchildren, Noah and Ellison Rumbley and Caroline and Vivian Behnke; and many nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, eight siblings, and five in-laws.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Drs. Hermann and Ahmad El Hattab and their staff, Hospice of Dubuque, and neighbor, Monica Daly. Their care and guidance enabled Irene and her family to make the most of their final days together.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, a memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Irene’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.