Dean Paul Behnke, 81, of East Petersburg, passed away peacefully and with family on Thursday, September 14, 2023. Born in Kewanee, IL, he was the son of the late Raymond and Esther (Scovill) Behnke. He was married for 37 years to his beloved wife Tommie (Erickson) Behnke.

Dean worked for over 30 years at United States Postal Service from which he retired. He attended Parsons College and was in the Phi Sig fraternity. He was also a bridge champion at ISU. Dean was a proud veteran of the US Army and served during Vietnam playing the drums in the Army Band. He was a wonderful man and loved to tell stories and jokes. He also had a strong relationship with God. Dean enjoyed playing golf, darts, listening to Irish music, playing cards, and the Ford Model A. He will be sorely missed by the family and friends that got to know him.

In addition to his wife Tommie, Dean is survived by daughters Tawni Eccles and Michele Pletcher, sons Erick Henderson and John Paul Pletcher, sister Ruth Anne Scott (Bill), aunt JoAnn Behnke, 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 2 nieces, 1 nephew, 1 great-niece, 3 great-nephews, 1 great-great niece, and numerous cousins and extended family.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to DaVita Dialysis , 2100 Harrisburg Pike, 3rd Flr, Lancaster, PA 17601-2644, or American Cancer Society , 1818 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103.