Christopher Alan Behnke

Christopher Behnke, a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and longtime resident of Michigan, passed away on January 30, 2023. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in October 1993.

After completion of Marine Corps boot camp and Marine Combat Training he was directed to Camp Johnson, NC where he earned the MOS of 3531, Motor Vehicle Operator. In 1997 as a Corporal for the Marine Corps, Chris was transferred to Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable (SOC) as a motor vehicle operator, while there he completed two deployments where he saw action in Western Pacific. Chris had many amazing stories of his time there. He wrote incredible letters home to family, detailing the antics of his fellow Marines, the scenery in the area, and a very edited description of the action he encountered.

After his time at SOC Chris soared through the ranks within the Marine Corps while being stationed across the continental United States serving at over 10 duty stations and holding over 15 different essential Marine Corps billeted assignments ranging from being an Instructor for the SNCO Academy to Senior Enlisted Advisor for his last unit he served.

Chris was best known for his time as a Drill Instructor for the recruits of Marine Corps Boot camp. During his tour he served as Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and Chief Drill Instructor and was meritoriously promoted to SSgt in January of 2002. During this time Chris spent countless hours training and molding the recruits that would be filling the ranks of the Marine Corps being aided by his life experiences.

The U.S. Marine Corps recognized Chris for his honorable service with personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Accommodation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with three gold stars), and Combat Action Ribbon

Chris survived by his parents Debra and William Carrick, his daughter Kalie Nicole Behnke, brother Dustin (Ginny) Behnke, sister Kelsi (Rick) Palo, many nephews and nieces, and his many aunts and uncles.

His family has organized a memorial service to honor Chris's life and military service, which will be held at the Old Soo Line Grade Lodge in Brimley, Michigan on July 8, 2023, at 2PM. 

Please join us in celebration of Chris life.  Share your stories with everyone who loved Chris.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Christopher Alan Behnke, please visit our floral store.