Verne W. Behnke ’47

Verne died July 10, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

He graduated from Galesburg (Ill.) High School and received a scholarship from the University of Chicago. As World War II intensified Verne joined the Marines and served for three years, mustered out as a second lieutenant, and continued his education at Princeton, graduating with the Class of 1947.

He worked in New York City in finance and advertising and was instrumental in founding syndicated TV. He later started his own business brokering large cable TV systems.

As a youth Verne performed at the Illinois State Fair, playing guitar and harmonica. He used his amazing bass voice for 10 years in Manhattan doing Gilbert & Sullivan shows.

With his partner, Diane, he grew Fraser firs in North Carolina; many were shipped to New Orleans for Christmas. His semi-retirement gave him the chance to live at 4,000 feet with his fir trees during the summer.

Having a marvelous sense of humor, love of nature and extreme wit, Verne will be missed by his many friends. We wish him love and light for his next journey.