Rose Behnke

ROSE DELORES BEHNKE age 91 a long-time resident of the Northwest Indiana area former resident of Ludington MI Annapolis MD and most recently of Rockledge FL died peacefully at the residence of her niece in Gosport IN. Born August 29 1915 in Whiting IN she was the daughter of Gertrude Petzold Cerajeski and Walter Cerajeski She was preceded in death by her parents two sisters: Leona Cerajeski and Lucille Dudak one brother Frank Cerjeski and husband Harry following 22 years of marriage. She is survived by one sister Anne Cerajeski of Denver CO two brothers: Leonard Cery of Long Beach CA Walter Cerajeski formerly of Gary IN now residing in Gosport IN. She was a devoted and loving Aunt to her nieces and nephews: Judy Massy Bonnie Swartz Michael Cerjeski Barbara Fazio Joseph Dudak Kathleen Cerajeski Brian Cery Pamela Cimino and Robert Cery. She is fondly remembered by 15 grand nieces and nephews and 8 great grandnieces and nephews. She was a faithful member of the Catholic Church throughout her life. During her long and fruitful life she worked at the rectories of many priests including her uncle Monsignor Michael Petzold of Whiting IN. She also was employed by 1014 United Steel Workers of America. She proudly served her country during WWII as a Navy Wave and is honored in Washington D.C. at the Women In Military Service For America Memorial. In later years she worked as a teacher assistant in the Kindergarten Program at SS. Peter & Paul Church in Merrillville IN. She was a lover of nature children and animals. Her interests included travel hiking fishing ice skating skiing snowmobiling biking sewing and knitting. She was a skilled and avid Scabble player. She was spontaneous and fun loving and provided many specialoutings for nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. She never met a stranger and was known as Auntie Roseto all who knew her. Interment Service 10:00 a.m. Wednesday October 18 2006 at Calumet Park Cemetery Merrillville. Friends are invited to join the family in celebration of Auntie Roseslife with a Memorial Mass at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday October 18 2006 from St. Mary of the Lake Church 6060 Miller Ave. Gary (Miller) IN In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her memory to the following: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Building Fund 7330 Murrell Rd. Suite 104 Melbourne FL 32940 or to the Monroe County School Corporation The Rose Behnke Kindergarten Scholarship Fund Bloomington IN.

Rose Behnke

August 29, 1915 - October 11, 2006