Arthur “Art” R. Behnke, 78, of Winchester, Virginia went to be with our Lord on Thursday, April 6, 2017. Art’s beloved wife, Genevieve, of 53 years was by his side.
Art was born in Marinette, Wisconsin and raised by his late Uncle and Aunt, Arthur E. and Genevieve Behnke. He was the son of the late Juanita Behnke. Art graduated with a Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin. Art went on to graduate from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He then received his Master of Science in International Affairs from George Washington University. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army; he retired from the Army as a LTC. Lieutenant Colonel Behnke’s decorations included the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal/Vietnam, the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Legion of Merit. Following 20 years of selfless and distinguished service, Lt. Col. Behnke retired from the Army on April 30, 1982. Following his military service, Art’s entrepreneurial ingenuity culminated in the founding of AirPac, Inc. in Front Royal, Virginia. AirPac is a family business enterprise, with a national/international presence based in the close-knit community of Shenandoah Valley. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Winchester, Virginia.
Along with all of his professional accomplishments, he was a friend to all and never met a stranger. If he wasn’t at home with his family, he was traveling the world with them, helping to create lasting memories of his legacy.
Art Behnke married Genevieve Ackermann on November 7, 1963 in Okinawa, Japan.
Surviving with his beloved wife are daughters, Christina “Tina” Behnke Spencer (Marlin) and Carla Michelle Steele (Robert), both of Winchester, Virginia; son, Arthur R. Behnke, Jr. (Angie) of Alpine, Utah; grandchildren, Marlena, Harrison and Redmond Spencer of Winchester, Virginia; Parker and Cooper Behnke of Alpine, Utah; Jennifer Singleton of Montgomery, Alabama and Kirsten Allen (Kris) of Meridian, Mississippi; great grandchildren, Clayton, Coraline and Billy Allen of Meridian, Mississippi.
Mr. Behnke is preceded in death by his brother, James Behnke.
The family will receive friends on Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Monday at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church with Father Stanley J. Krempa officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Art Behnke, Jr. Marlin Spencer, Robert Steele, Harrison Spencer, Redmond Spencer, and Parker Behnke.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 120 Keating Drive, Winchester, VA 22601, or to the American Heart Association, via their website at https://donatenow.heart.org.