Craig William Behnke

Craig's life began on March 25, 1950 in Dowagiac, the son of William and Margaret Janice (Bakeman) Behnke. He was a 1968 graduate of Dowagiac Union High School where he played football. Craig ran Behnke's Paint & Floor Covering in Dowagiac, the family business established by his father in 1961. He was very active in the Dowagiac Lion's Club, having served in every position in the club. Craig was also a photographer and ran a small photography business with friend Steve Harrison. He had been a member of the Dowagiac Conservation Club and the Dowagiac Elk's Lodge #889. He was the secretary/treasurer of the Chris Taylor Memorial in Dowagiac. His loving family includes his mother Janice Behnke of Dowagiac, sisters Jonne Behnke of Sister Lakes, Lisa (Joe) Bradley of Grand Rapids, brothers Roger (Missy) Behnke of Portage and Richard (Lorri) Behnke of Dowagiac, nieces and nephews Paige, Benjamin, Amelia and Nicholas Behnke, Meredith Vasquez and Lauren Bradley and one great nephew Calvin Diamond. Craig passed away on Wednesday April 7, 2010 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He is preceded in death by his father William Behnke in 2005. His family will gather with friends on Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel where his funeral service will be held on Saturday at 3 p.m. led by friend Dr. Chuck Burling. He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Dowagiac Lion's Club. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Craig at www.yazel-clark.com.