Karl Frederick Behling, 99, died February 15, 2012 at AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc. He was born to Julius and Olga (nee Hensler) Behling May 22, 1912 in the Behling farmhouse on Allen Road in Oconomowoc. He lived all his life on the farm which was in the Behling family for four generations, having been designated a Century Farm by the State of Wisconsin in 1985. On June 4, 1944 he married Ruth Ann Wolber at Dr. Martin Luther Church in Oconomowoc, and together they conducted a dairy operation until 1974.Karl graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1931. Presently a member of Cross Lutheran Church, Ixonia, he was a long time member of Dr. Martin Luther Church, where he served as Sunday school teacher and superintendent, choir member, usher, Brotherhood member, Church Council member and president of the congregation.An accomplished horseman, Karl used draft horses on his farm until 1957, and after retiring from dairying, he and his wife owned and bred carriage horses, and collected antique horse-drawn vehicles, which they drove for weddings, parades and parties. They were former members of the Dairyland Driving Club. Karl encouraged and supported many area young people in their horse- related activities. He was a member of the Jefferson County Farm Bureau and a former member of the Milwaukee Milk Producers.Karl is survivrd by his wife Ruth, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Leonard.Friends may visit Sunday from 1:00pm until time of services at 3:00pm all at Cross Lutheran Church W704 E.Gopher Hill Rd. Ixonia. Final rest Cros Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Cross Lutheran Church, AngelsGrace Hospice, or the Oconomowoc Historical Society.
