Steven L Behnken

Steve Behnken, age 69 of Anita, IA, died at the University Medical Center in Omaha, NE, on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Steve was born September 26th, 1955, in Atlantic, IA, to Otto Jr. and Donna (Schwanke) Behnken. He grew up on the Eilts farm in Wiota, IA, until they moved just West to the Behnken family farm. During school, he helped on the family farm but was usually found in the shop working on cars. He also played football and often told stories of going to The Sandwich Bar after practice and games.

Steve graduated from The Anita High School in 1973. After high school, he worked at various places, including Mobile Station, Interstate Tire, and Valley Oil. He was well known for his passion for racing, often attending Nascar and NHRA events to watch Dale Earnhardt Sr. and John Force. For many years, Steve was found on Saturday nights at a figure 8, demolition, or dirt track race. If he wasn’t found on a race track, it was common to find him getting into mischief with his friends, including long-time friend Rick Steffens.

In more recent years, Steve really enjoyed working part time at Hansen Interstate Repair where he visited with friends and farmers. He also enjoyed spending time with his beloved dog, DG and always showed how proud he was of his grandchildren for all of their activities, including basketball, 4-H, and dance.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto Jr and Donna Behnken and his sister, Linda Marxen.

Surviving Steve are his daughters, Aimee Nichols of Anita, IA, Christa (Trevor) Wessling of Atlantic, IA; a son, Michael Hagen of Anita, IA; 10 grandchildren; a sister, Kris (Jeff) Schuler; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Public visitation with family will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA. A Graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, March 21, 2025. Following the committal service, the family will gather at the Anita Community Building for light refreshments.

Memorials may be directed to the Behnken Family to be designated at a later date. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Arrangements are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA.