Joseph E. Behnke Jr., age 87, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Thursday morning, June 14, 2018, in Effingham.

Joe was born in Iuka (Marion County) on November 13, 1930, the son of Joseph E. Behnke Sr. and Viola D. (Henne) Behnke. He married Pearletta Grogan on August 23, 1948, in Henderson, Kentucky, and together they shared 61 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on April 15, 2010.

Joe worked for the B&O Railroad for over 35 years, starting as a yardman and retiring as an engineer. He also worked as a roughneck in the oilfield. Joe was a member of Red Brush Christian Church and often reminisced about his baptism and putting his faith in God at age 40. He loved taking rides, making regular visits to Grandma’s Kitchen and McDonalds.

He is survived by his children: Ramona (Sam) Anderson, Wayne (Mary) Behnke, Dean Behnke, Rose (John) Elizondo, and Leesa (Roy) Green; a sister: Mary Ann (John) Conner; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; special friends to Joe: Tracy Kronewitter and family; and other friends at the Wound Center, St. Anthony Hospital, Lakeland, and Brookstone Suites all in Effingham. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

A funeral service will be 12 Noon Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Burial will follow in the Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon on Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be given to HSHS Hospice of Effingham and will be accepted at the funeral home.