Jeanene Marie (Picotte) Behnke

Surrounded by her loved ones, Jeanene Marie Behnke Passed away on July 15, 2016 at Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital after her battle with cancer. 

Jeanene was born in Ontonagon, Michigan to Ellen Carlson and William Picotte on January, 21, 1937. She graduated high school from Ontonagon Area High School in 1955 and had fond memories of being a cheerleader for the Polar Bears. 

She married Thomas Edward Behnke on October 1, 1960 in Marinette, WI. They resided in Peshtigo WI for a time before they together purchased and operated the old famous Copper Inn Bar & Grill in Ontonagon, MI. in 1970 where Jeanene is remembered for her smiley disposition and her great cooking. Later, after a fire destroyed the bar she and her family moved to Florida where Jeanene continued her expertise in food service and worked as a food service manager at a local assisted living complex.  

After an illness with her husband they returned to her roots in Ontonagon County and have resided in White Pine, MI since 1990.  

Jeanene will always be remembered by her family and friends as the one with the Golden Heart. Always willing to help anyone in need and always put her family first. Her cooking was a gift handed down from her Mother Ellen Steed and anyone who has had it will never forget her potato salad. She was a fun loving person and will be sadly missed by her family members and friends. 

Jeanene is survived by her husband Tom, daughter Sandy (John) Monville, Sons Daniel and Michael Behnke, Brothers, Donald (Jeanette) and Ronald (Kristin) Picotte, Sisters, Sandra (Andy) Aubrey, Karen Howard, Kriss Steed, Candy Steed, Lisa (Aaron) Gray. And the loves of her life,  granddaughter Ashley Louise Baker and Michael (Alicia) Behnke, Jr. and two great grandchildren Ivy and Paisley Behnke and many very loved nieces and nephews.  

,Jeanene is preceded in death by her mother Ellen Steed, her father William Picotte, brothers Doug Picotte and Michael Steed, Nephew Michael Aubrey, and Step-father Dorese (Pops) Steed. 

The family would like to extend an invite for family and friends to join in A Celebration of Jeanene’s Life to be held at the American Legion in White Pine on Sunday, July 24, 2016 at 2pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeanene’s name to the Ontonagon County Cancer Association.
 

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