Walter Behnke

WALTER BEHNKE Marion Walter Ernest Behnke, 87, of Marion, died Saturday, May 31, 2014, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy. Funeral service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, at Faith Lutheran Church, Marion. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 2, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Walter Behnke was born Dec. 14, 1926, on a farm near rural Hale, Iowa. He was the son of Ernest and Viola Behnke. After some time spent doing farm work during his early youth, Walt went to work for the Milwaukee Railroad at the age of 17. This was to mark the start of his career-long involvement in railroading, which ended with his retirement on June 30, 1985. Having started as a railroad laborer, Walt worked his way through the ranks, ending his 41-year railroad career in the management position of roadmaster for the Iowa Division of the Milwaukee Railroad. Walt's railroad career experienced a brief interruption when he was drafted into the U.S. Army shortly after the end of World War II. He served out his Army stint in Texas, and then returned to Iowa and resumed railroading.

While in the service Walt began writing to a South Dakota girl named Arlene Tonsager, who was the best friend of the sister of one of his Army buddies. Their mostly correspondence-based relationship, coupled with two brief "in person" meetings, resulted in their marriage on June 12, 1948.

Walt loved spending time with his family and friends. He was also an avid and accomplished horseshoe pitcher and was champion of the Cedar Rapids Horseshoe League for more than 10 years. In earlier years before his health began to fail, Walt also enjoyed carpentry, creating many custom furniture pieces that are treasured by members of his family and friends who received them.

Walt is survived by his wife, Arlene of Marion; his son, Gary (Vickie) Behnke of Anamosa; his daughter, Marcia (Larry) Achenbach of Marion; three grandchildren, Troy Achenbach, Melissa Scmitt and Tiffani Beam; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Marvel Foster. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Wilbur, Warren, Merlin and Larry; and a sister, Lorraine Switzer.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at Hospice House of Mercy, as well as to Pastor John Albertson for help, kindness and support.

Please sign the online guest book for Walter at www.murdochfuneral home.com under obituaries.