Serena Ruth Lindemann Behnke

Befitting her great love for all things Christmas, Serena Ruth Behnke, 87, of College Station went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Christmas Eve. She passed away at College Station Medical Center on Monday, December 24, 2007.

Serena was born June 1, 1920 to Edward and Marie Dorner Lindemann in Ballinger, TX. She was the youngest and only girl of four siblings. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Winters, TX. She was raised in the Blanton community in rural Runnels County and attended schools at Blanton and Ballinger. She continued her education after moving to Brenham in 1975. After her marriage to Gus Behnke, Jr. on August 21, 1942, she resided in Ballinger. She, along with her husband, was a founding member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where she served as organist for many years. She loved to sing and play organ, piano, and accordion.

She was employed with the Ballinger Independent School District for several years and was retired from the Brenham State School. She moved to College Station, TX in 2001 to live with her daughter and son-in-law.

She was preceded in death by parents, husband of 40 years Gus Behnke, Jr., brothers Samuel Lindemann, Ted Lindemann, Roland Lindemann and eldest son Samuel F. Behnke.

She devoted her life and provided much joy to her family. Survivors include: son Ed Behnke and wife Sandra of Plano; daughter Karen Hannan and husband Bubba of College Station; daughter-in-law Grace Behnke of Brenham; granddaughters Cynthia Barham and husband Robert of Flower Mound, TX, Kelli Poole and husband Heath of College Station, Kristi Penick and husband Ricky of College Station, Stacey Sanders of Brenham, Michelle Behnke, Christina Behnke, Rachel Behnke all of Plano, TX; two great-granddaughters Samantha Sanders and Lauren Barham; three great-grandsons Luke Penick, Cole Poole and Dylan Barham.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 26 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be Thursday, December 27 at 2:00 p.m. in St Matthew Lutheran Church of Sandy Hill with Rev. Jim Abbott officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham. 979-836-3611 www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com