Rodell A. "Rody" Behlke, 87, of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born on March 23, 1930 to Edmund and Edna (Kunert) Behlke at Shields, Wisconsin. Rody proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy on the Aircraft Carrier USS Salerno Bay in Cuba from 1948 to 1953. On April 18, 1953 he married Mildred (Gall) Behlke, who resides in Defiance.

Rody was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Jewell Grain, and VFW Post #3360. He worked as a lineman for Toledo Edison, and enjoyed farming and raising cattle.

Rody will be missed by his loving spouse of 64 years, Mildred Behlke of Defiance, sons, Curtis Behlke, Craig (Shirley) Behlke, and Jeff Behlke, all of Defiance, four grandchildren; Jason and Josh Behlke, Jessica Byers, and Joseph Richmond, three great-grandchildren; James and Owen Behlke, and Alina Byers, and sister, Florence Draeger of Wisconsin.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jamie Behlke, and ten siblings.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Friday, November 17, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A Funeral Services will  follow at 11:00 am at Schaffer Funeral Home on Friday, with Pastor Timothy G. Reynolds, officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memory Gardens, with graveside military rites accorded by VFW #3360.

Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Hospice Center, Zion Lutheran Church, or VFW Post #3360. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.