Michael Behnke, 32 — who died in a motorcycle crash in Taylor — was known to enjoy spending time with his two children, son Cash Behnke and daughter Marlee Rae Behnke.
By ZEINAB NAJM
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR — Community members have stepped in to donate money for the funeral, burial and children of Michael Behnke, 32, of Romulus who died in a fatal motorcycle crash in Taylor.
The GoFundMe account surpassed the $15,000 goal as of Sept. 15 with $15,714 raised through 146 donations. Behnke left behind two children ages 5 and 3.
A crash involving another vehicle at the intersection of Eureka Road and Pardee Sept. 11 claimed the life of Behnke, who was riding on a motorcycle.
According to his obituary, Behnke “died suddenly, doing what he loved — riding his motorcycle.” He graduated from Ypsilanti Lincoln High School in 2008, where he enjoyed playing baseball and football.
He earned an associate’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and was an assistant supervisor for JP Morgan.
“Mike loved playing pool, going to the casino, riding motorcycles, and cheering for the Detroit Tigers and Lions,” the obituary read. “He was a dedicated and proud father.”
Behnke leaves his son, Cash Behnke, 5; daughter, Marlee Rae Behnke, 3; and their mother Ashley Jackson, all of Romulus. Also, his father, Daniel Behnke; Jeannette Quackenbush; eight siblings; 12 nieces and nephews; two great-nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Clawson and Carolynn Willson; Wilma Looker and Harold Behnke; and an aunt, Diane Behnke.
Visitation will be Sept. 17 and 18 at David C. Brown Funeral Home in Belleville followed by a funeral service at Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock.
The obituary said memorial donations made to the family will be used for Behnke’s children.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at zeinabnajm92@gmail.com.)