Sally Ann Behncke (formerly of Fennimore), age 87, found her eternal peace on Thursday, December 28, 2023. She was born on January 9, 1936; the daughter of Walter E. and Carol Behnke. Sally had one brother, Maynard (Judy) Behncke, who was her best friend and a sister, Joan (Bob) Bald. From a young age, Sally was a self-taught artist. She dabbled in painting and carving, but her specialty was pencil drawings. She created over 4,000 pencil drawings of people, pets, and buildings. Sally painted a 175-foot mural depicting the history of Fennimore for the Fennimore Sesquicentennial. It covered the entire side of the old Fennimore Lumber Company building.
Sally also wrote a book titled "Soaring Like an Eagle - One day at a time". This autobiography told of the many struggles she endured throughout her life. Despite her many struggles, Sally always found a way to maintain her positive attitude. She enjoyed fishing, hunting, building, and garage saling. She also went on many trips to the "boat" with her mother. In her later years, Sally enjoyed spending time with her daughter, Jody and her husband Joe and her son Charlie and his wife Sandra. They spent many summer evenings attending concerts in the park and going on strolls through the neighborhood.
Sally is survived by three children: Alan (Sally) Millin, Charles (Sandra) Slaght, and Jody (Joe) Malsack; 17 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and brother, Maynard (Judy) Behncke. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Curt Millin; and sister, Joan Bald.
Sally will be laid to rest in Prairie Cemetery, next to her mother. A short memorial service will be held graveside from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Larson Funeral Home in Fennimore is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit: www.larsonfuneralhomes.com.
