Meriden - Doris Linnea Bratt Behnke Doris Behnke, 93, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2009 in the presence of her sons, Russell and Allen after a prolonged illness. She was born in Providence, Rhode Island on August 15, 1915. She moved to Meriden with her parents, Julius and Hulda Bratt as a young child. Doris married Walter A. Behnke on June 27, 1942. Doris was a life long member of Augustana Lutheran Church. She worked for the Connecticut. Telephone Company. Mrs. Behnke was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker for her husband and sons. Of Swedish descent, she could read and speak Swedish, was a wonderful cook, loved flowers, and enjoyed hunting rocks and minerals in the great outdoors.Doris was predeceased in death by her husband of almost 58 years, Walter, on May 31, 2000. She is survived by her son Russell E. Behnke of Meriden who was her and her husband's caregiver for many years, allowing her to remain at her home until her final illness. She is also survived by her son Allen and his wife Sheila of Parkersburg, West Virginia. Her grandsons, Michael L. Behnke of King George, Virginia and Dr. Robert L. Behnke of Richmond, Virginia also survive Mrs. Behnke. She also leaves a special cousin, Dorothy Carlson of Windsor, who was a faithful visitor and friend. A Funeral service will be held on Monday, May 11, 2009 at 11:00am the Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. Burial will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery. The Rev.James Stoltenberg will officiate. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 10-11am prior to the service.