Richard Lee Behnke, Jr., fondly called “Rick” buy most people, passed away on Wednesday, June 17th, 2015 at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri after a brief struggle with cancer.

Rick was born in Berea, Ohio to the late Richard Lee Behnke, Sr. and Mary Louise Behnke (nee Cochran). He lived in Ohio until the age of eighteen, and after high school he moved to Dallas, Texas where he met Vonda Elliott, who later became Vonda Behnke in 1989. Although they later got divorced after 20 years of marriage, despite everything, Vonda remained in Rick’s life as a true friend until the end. Rick and Vonda moved to St. Louis in 1986 when he began working at McDonnell Douglas. They had their son Zachary Elliott Behnke on June 3, 1996, Rick’s only child, whom he loved deeply and maybe spoiled just a bit. After 10 years at McDonnell Douglas he began working with the team at Southwest Airlines, in their St. Louis hub at Lambert Airport, where he remained until his sudden illness. Rick was a very loving dad, and he enjoyed coaching little league and baseball for older kids as well, watching his son mature with the other boys. Rick also enjoyed the outdoors, and was happiest at the lake or on the beach. He took many trips with his family to Florida. Most people will remember Rick as someone who was very likable because of his easy-going nature and his ability to keep smiling.

He leaves behind his beloved son Zach, and Zach’s mother Vonda of Ft. Meyers, Florida (who was probably Rick’s best friend); his dear siblings, Mike Behnke of Dayton, Ohio, Diana Lasky of Daytona, Florida, Maryann Martesz of Orange County, California, Jennifer (Mitch) Miller, of Steelville, Missouri; his nieces and nephews; his Siberian Husky “Duke”; and many, many lucky friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home, 727 E. Bethalto Blvd., Bethalto, IL 62010 from 6-8pm on Tuesday, June 23rd.

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