Vernon "Vern" Behnke

Vernon "Vern" Behnke age 69, of Vestaburg, MI, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center, Alma, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 11:00 A.M.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Dr. Keith Wise will officiate.

Vern was born in Detroit, MI on March 9, 1949, the son of Henry S. and Edna R. (Gurski) Behnke. He graduated from Roseville High School with the class of 1968. On June 16, 1973 Vern married Dianna L. Woodbury in Alma, MI.

Vern retired from Morbark Corporation in Winn, MI, where he was a welder.  He enjoyed riding and working on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He also enjoyed photography, and going to auctions. He loved his family and was very proud of his daughters and his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Dianna Behnke of Vestaburg, MI; 3 daughters: Christina and Howard Stanton of Edmore, MI; Cynthia and Rex  Allen of St. Louis, MI; Catherine and Arron Adams of Sand Lake, MI; 7 grandchildren: Alexa, Elizabeth, Bradley, Cameron, Grace, Joshua, and Michael; and his brother David Behnke.  Vern was predeceased by his parents, sister Julie, and brother Michael.

Memorials may be made to Alpha 1 Foundation, 3300 Ponce deLeon Boulevard, Miami, FL 33134.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.