Bernhardt “Bernie” Behlke, of Deerbrook, died peacefully Thursday, August 22, 2019, under the care of LeRoyer Hospice, at his home surrounded by family. He was 80 years old. He was born on October 11, 1938, in Eau Claire, a son of Bernhardt and Verna (Strasburg) Behlke. He married Gail (Hess) Mullis on July 1, 1978 at the United Church of Christ in Kempster.

Bernie was employed in Racine County by Dykstra Brothers Excavating as an operating engineer for 32 years. He was a member of Local 139 for 50 years. In 1984 he moved to Deerbrook.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman and trap shooter. Bernie was a member of the Elcho Trap Club, Case Gun Club in Racine and the Antigo Bow Club, having taught youth archery for 25 years. He was also a member of the United Church of Christ, Kempster, where he served as a Deacon.

Survivors include his wife, Gail; six children, Jeffery Faanes (Lori Jo Evenson) of Eau Claire, Ron (Bernice) Behlke of West Bend, JoAnn (Phillip) Behlke Dunk of Wright City, MO, Tammy (Dennis) Ossoinik of Antigo, Kevin Mullis of Wausau, and Chad Mullis (Kristin King) of Deerbrook; ten grandchildren, Leonda Faanes, David and Sarah Behlke, Caleb and Paige Dunk, Adam Mullis, Ashlie Millard, Tylor Mattern, Carli and Jordan Mullis; one great-grandchild, Athon Mullis; a sister, Bonnie (Al) Berg of Augusta. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Karee Mattern; and sister, Sonja Greene.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 26, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Veldman officiating. Burial will take place in Kempster Lakeside Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, August 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.