Darryl Behnke

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and friend, Darryl Behnke, who went to be with the Lord on April 30th 2023 at the age of 42. Darryl was born on September 15th 1980 to Debra and Edward Behnke. Despite facing many physical challenges throughout his life, Darryl never let his limitations define him. Darryl’s life was a true inspiration to all of us. He lived with joy and courage in all situations, reminding us all of what it means to actively demonstrate and live out the biblical words of James 1:2-4. Darryl left a lasting impact to everyone he met. His dry sense of humor and smile was infectious and he had a unique way of making everyone feel welcomed in his presence. Darryl showed us what it means to persevere, to have faith, and to live a life of purpose. Instead of complaining about his circumstances, he looked for ways to bless others. His strength and courage were a testament to his unwavering heart for his friends, his loyalty to his family and his faith in God. Darryl was the first Boy Scout in the state of NJ to earn Eagle Scout honors in a wheelchair. He was a 2-time air rifle champion for the Bell Telephone Disability event in Parkersburg, VA. Darryl was also a well-loved volunteer at Elmer Hospital and the unofficial mayor of whatever town he was in. With Darryl’s influence coupled with his mother’s activism in NJ, he helped to reform numerous state laws and new medical standards for the disabled community. He was also influential in helping to provide disabled residents with transportation through Darryl’s Wheels Foundation. He was instrumental in the building of the Freedom Village project, a 60-unit accessible apartment complex in Salem County, in which the road was named in his honor. Darryl was faithful to utilize his many gym memberships for socialization purposes and once in a while to work out too. You would often find him wearing a fedora; hanging out with his friends at the Riverview deck in Pennsville, NJ, sipping wine at the local vineyards, or frequenting the Ocean Drive Sand Bar in Sea Isle City, NJ. He enjoyed playing games with his niece and nephews and loved cheering on the Eagles with his “Pop” Charlie. Darryl leaves behind his parents, mother Debra Behnke, stepfather Charles Hassler, and his sister, Marianne (Behnke) Stutzman and her husband Nate, stepsister Aidan (Hassler) Wilson and her husband Mike as well as nephews Noah and Leeland and niece Maliha, and many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly. We take comfort in knowing that Darryl is now with his Savior, Jesus Christ. He has been healed of all his physical limitations, and he is now walking with the Lord in heaven. We will always cherish the memories of Darryl's life and the impact he had on all who knew him. Services will be held at Adams Funeral Home, 64 Broad Street, Woodstown, NJ 08098. There will be visitations on Friday night from 6 to 8 PM and Saturday morning from 10 to 11 AM. The funeral service will be Saturday morning at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Elmer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Darryl's memory to Darryl’s Wheels, PO Box 43, Woodstown, NJ 08098. We give thanks for the life of Darryl Behnke and pray that his legacy will continue to inspire us all to live selfless lives centered on faith, hope and love. www.adamsfuneralhome.org

Darryl Behnke

April 30, 2023

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Darryl Behnke

April 30, 2023

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