Joseph Bernard Behner, age 75, of Mishawaka, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at his home. Joe was born August 16, 1939 to the late Frank and Clara Behner. Joe enlisted in the US Army in September of 1957, where he was trained as a sharpshooter, earning his expert badge with the rifle. While enlisted, he learned to weld, and upon his honorable discharge in 1960, he worked as a welder for the Iron Workers Local 292 for over 30 years. On December 31, 1983, he married Marilyn (VonBaden) McManus in Elkhart. They recently celebrated 31 years of marriage.
Marilyn survives, along with Joe''s children Doug Behner of California, and Heidi Behner of Arizona. Also surviving are 3 step daughters; Cathy (Mike) Owen of Granger, Cheryl (Ken) Cyman of Osceola, and Nancy (Mike) Doncilovic of Elkhart. Joe is also survived by his siblings, Dorothy Coursel, Helen (Clarence) Walters, and Betty (Wally) Ratliff, all of Michigan City, Indiana, Florence Brunton of Rensselaer, Indiana, Carol (Gene Warner) Murray of Mesa, Arizona, Joan (Charles) White of Warrior, Alabama, and Fred Behner of Phoenix, Arizona. Surviving as well are 6 grandchildren; Ryan (Stephanie) Leniski, Tracy (Hank) Olson, Michelle (Brian) Zache, Kevin Leniski, and Katie (John) Doncilovic-Steinmetz, and 7 great grandchildren, Brendan, Ethan, Brock, Madison, Madelyn, Bryce, and Katelyn. Joe is also survived by his best friend, Jack Litke. He was preceded in death by his siblings Phyllis Cramer, Jean Orr, Louis Behner, and Bill Behner.
Chapel Hill Funeral Home is assisting with cremation arrangements. A celebration of Joe''s life will be held at a later date.
Joe enjoyed deer hunting, and was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 161, the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Mishawaka, and the Iron Workers Local 292 of South Bend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fresenius Dialysis, 710 Park Place, Mishawka, Indiana 46545 or the Hospice Foundation 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545.