Melvin John Behnke, 89, of Peosta, Iowa, passed away comfortably on October 27, 2024 surrounded by his family at home.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Church in Dubuque. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Steve Rosonke officiating. The burial will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery, with military honors.

Melvin was born on July 17, 1935, in Dubuque, the son of Lena (Krug) and Joseph Behnke. He married Barbara Joos, on December 27, 1958.

As a young man, Mel served in the U.S. Army. Over the years, Mel built his career working for various construction companies before retiring from John Deere Dubuque Works in 1996.

Mel was a quiet man. He enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing. Mel loved scratching lottery tickets with his grandchildren, always hoping for a winner. He spent many relaxing hours watching the Game Show Network and country music programs. He liked playing a good game of euchre and made an occasional visit to the casino for a bit of excitement.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their six children: Dan (Darlene) Behnke, Sue (Mark) Hartung, Sandy Wille, Doug (Dee) Behnke, Deanne “Dee” (Jason) Froehlich, and Dale (Jessica) Behnke. Grandsons: Andy, Matthew, Jacob, and Dylan Behnke, Adam (Lauren) and Owen Froehlich, Evan and Jon Wille; Granddaughters: Amanda Hartung, Stacey (Eric) Naughton, Elly Froehlich, and Holly Behnke; great-grand son Max Naughton and baby Naughton coming in 2025; brother Ed (Betty) Behnke, and sister Loretta (Laverne) Freiburger; brother-in-law, Dave Joos; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lena Behnke, his parents-in-law, Frederick and Daisy Joos, daughter, Sheryl Behnke, son-in-law, Art Wille, sister Clara (Jim) Bergfeld, brother Joseph (Mary) Behnke, sister-in-law Joyce Joos, and brother-in-law Don (Cathy) Joos.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care during Mel’s final days.

“Until we meet again nix knocker.”

Greeting cards and memorials in Melvin’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Melvin Behnke Family, to benefit Hospice of Dubuque.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com