Norman F. Behlke, surrounded by his family, passed away at his home in Deerfield after a courageous battle with cancer. The beloved father, husband and friend was called home on his final ride Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, at age 82. He was born Jan. 11, 1928, to Edna (Kunert) and Edmund Behlke in the town of Shields, Dodge County, the eighth of 11 children.

Norman was educated through eighth grade. By age 16, he was living on his own. He married Genevieve Shackley on Aug. 4, 1946, at Farmington Lutheran Church in Farmington. They were blessed with four children, Randy, Ralph, Roger and Dawn.

Norman was capable at any challenge he took on and used his talents in the careers of: the military, a carpenter, a police officer, owned a soft water business and owned a tavern. He was an active member of Jefferson County Lodge #9 F&AM, Martha Chapter #66 OES. He was a 50-year member of both the Lodge and Chapter. Norman was also active in Royal Arch, Council, Commandery, Sahara Shrine Club and the Scottish Rite. As a member of Zor Shrine, he enjoyed many trips escorting children to the Shrine Children’s Hospital in Chicago. He claimed to be the best cribbage player in the United States and kept that claim alive by outplaying all who would try. Besides cribbage, he played numerous card games, which he enjoyed playing with his friends at the Deerfield Community Center. He enjoyed his yellow Goldwing motorcycle and traveled throughout all 48 lower states on that bright yellow motorcycle to share time with his beloved family and friends. Family was most important to him – he was present at almost every family event of his children and grandchildren until his health failed.

He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Randal (Jessica) Behlke, Ralph (Michelle) Behlke, Roger (Mary) Behlke and Dawn (Ed) Bergren; eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; sibling, Paul Behlke, Rodell (Millie) Behlke, Florence (Bob) Draeger and Georgiann Wasmund; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50-plus years, Genevieve, on Feb. 23, 1997; his parents; and siblings, Vernon Behlke, Merlin Behlke, Dorothy Ziemer, Gladys Newby and Grace Newby.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life with a visitation from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, at Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home, 500 Welsh Road, Watertown, with a Masonic memorial service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues from 9:30 a.m. until the 10:30 a.m. funeral service Friday, Oct. 1, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ron Kral officiating. Interment will follow at Glenview Memorial Gardens in Ixonia.

The family would like to thank HospiceCare, Inc. for their care and help during these trying days and a special thank you to all of Norman’s friends and family for their prayers and help.

Memorials can be given to the Shrine Children’s Hospital in Chicago or the Deerfield Community in Deerfield.

Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home, 920-261-3439, is serving the family.