CAMPBELL HILL – Lester A. Behnken, 92, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Coulterville Care Center, Coulterville, IL.

Lester was born on September 29, 1930, the son of August and Luella (Juergens) Behnken. He married Betty Rubach on November 13, 1954, by Rev. Kaitchuk, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Campbell Hill, IL.  Lester was a Veteran of the US Air Force as the Air Police during the Korean War. He worked at Rock Island, then he drove a truck for Behnken Truck Service, and then retired from the coal mines, having worked for Amex and Captain. Lester was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Campbell Hill, IL, American Legion Post #1096, Campbell Hill, IL, and the UMWA.

Lester is survived by his wife, Betty Behnken of Campbell Hill, IL, his children: Mark Alan Behnken of Campbell Hill, IL, Diane Renee Behnken of Hearne, TX, Jeffrey Lee (Suni) Behnken of Waterloo, IL; his grandchildren: Sarah Renee (Brad) Patterson, Dustin Lee Behnken, Jason Lee Behnken, Ryan Lester (Lindsay) Behnken; his great grandchildren: Grace Berenz and Jackson Henry Patterson.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Kenneth and Clifford Behnken.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 11:00 am, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Campbell Hill, IL, with Rev. Dr. T. Edwards Breed officiating. Burial will follow at St. Luke Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, at the church. Memorials may be given to St. Luke Lutheran Cemetery, c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Ava, IL, 62907.