Mary Ann Debehnke

Mary Ann (Balke) DeBehnke, age 85, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2015 at Mercy Medical Center with her children by her side, after a long battle with Alzheimers/dementia. Mary Ann was born on November 18, 1929 in Oshkosh, first born of Lester and Rose Marie Balke. They both preceded her in death in 1989. She was married to Donald A. DeBehnke on June 19, 1952; he preceded her in death on February 12, 1992. Lutheran by faith, Mary Ann was baptized, confirmed and married at Martin Luther Lutheran Church when it was located on Jackson Drive in Oshkosh. Mary Ann was employed following high school in 1948 by the Oshkosh Northwestern as an assistant to the society editor and eventually attained that position. After her marriage in 1952, she and her husband lived in San Marcos, Texas where he was stationed in the U.S. Air Force, and Mary Ann was employed by the San Marcos Record, a weekly newspaper, as its social editor. Mary was an avid reader and crossword puzzle addict. She loved old clocks, British and Canadian TV movies and the bizarre sense of humor of her three children. Since August of 1979 she met and came to know many friends of Bill W. sharing laughter, tears and hope with them. It was her wish to acknowledge these special people. They will know who they are.Survivors include two daughters, Dianne Marie DeBehnke of Oshkosh and Jill Elizabeth DeBehnke (fianc Tom Boris) of Pickett; one son, Dr. Daniel James DeBehnke of Hartland and two grandchildren, Krista Marie DeBehnke of Lafayette, LA and Tyler James DeBehnke of Milwaukee, one sister, Doris M. Abel of Oshkosh. In addition to her parents and husband, Mary Ann was preceded in death by two brothers, James L. Balke in 1978 and David W. Balke in 2014.At Mary Anns request, there will be family only visitation. Burial at Lake View Memorial Park will be private. Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to the Alzheimers Association (alz.org) in Mary Anns honor.The DeBehnke family would like to thank the 1st floor nursing staff at Mercy Medical Center, especially Barb, the staff at Sterling House for caring for Mom for 5 years and also the wonderful staff at Westbrooke Manor, especially Bethany, Amy, Christa, Carol and Merilee who took such good care of her during her short time there. We would also like to thank Generations Hospice, especially Andrea. We appreciate everyones love and compassion while caring for our Mom.Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.For what is your life? It is even vapour,That appeareth for a little time,And then vanisheth away. James 4:14 KJV