Edward A. Behnke, M.D., F.A.C.R.

Edward A. Behnke, M.D., was born September 29, 1929, in Wickliffe, Ohio, to Irwin C. and Elsie A. (Clayman) Behnke. On July 7, 1951, he married the love of his life, Teresa M. Nadolski, in Wickliffe, Ohio at Wickliffe Presbyterian Church. Their marriage was blessed with five children, Beverly, Bruce, Julie, Robert and Dale.



Dr. Behnke did his undergraduate work at Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio (1952 1955), before going on to graduate from George Washington University, School of Medicine in Washington D.C. (1955 1959). During medical school, he also worked as a policeman at the United States Capitol to provide needed income for his family. USC accepted him into their internship program and Edward moved his family across the country to train at Los Angeles County General Hospital in Los Angeles, California (1959 1960). He received his license from The Medical Board of California in July of 1960 and entered General Practice with Ross-Loos Medical Group in Whittier, California (1960 1962).



Feeling drawn to radiology, Dr. Behnke returned to Los Angeles County General Hospital as a Resident in the USC Radiology program (1962 1965). He studied Diagnostic, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Therapy, and was honored with the position of Chief Resident from July 1964 June 1965. He was a Research Fellow at USC form 1965 1966 and became Board Certified by the American Board of Radiology in June of 1966.



Dr. Behnke joined the Whittier Radiology Medical Group in 1966 and remained with them until his retirement in September of 1994. During that time he served in a number of capacities, including Chief of Staff at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, Chief of the Department of Medicine, and Chief of the Department of Radiology, and was honored as Staff Member Emeritus. He was active in professional organizations and served as Chairman of the American College of Radiology, President of the Whittier Academy of Medicine, President of the Los Angeles Radiological Society with Distinguished Service Award, President of the Society of Graduate Radiologists and Faculty LAC/USC with Award of Excellence, and President of the Radiological Society of Southern California. He was a Clinical Professor of Radiology at USC and held Fellow Emeritus status with the Fellowship in the American College of Radiology.



Outside of medicine, Dr. Behnke was a passionate USC football fan, an avid reader, and took flying lessons. He travelled to many places around the world and loved cruising with family and friends. He was a life member of the NRA and had recently been approved for the Sons of the American Revolution. A very patriotic man, he loved America and his German heritage. Many Oktoberfest's were spent with family and friends at the Phoenix Club raising their beer mugs to Oompah bands and doing the chicken dance. Rouladen was the dinner tradition on Christmas day.



One might think the list of accomplishments in Edward's career made him special, and that may be partly true. His real success in life came from the love, warmth, honor, and compassion he showed to his family, friends, and many acquaintances. He and his loving wife, Teresa, celebrated their 65th anniversary in July, 2016. As his illness took away his strength and independence, it didn't take away his courage or kindness. When asked how he was doing his reply was always, FANTASTIC!



In the end, he passed away peacefully at home, just as he had wished to do, six days before his 87th birthday.



Edward is survived by his sweetheart, Teresa; children, Beverly (Spencer) Thompson, Bruce (Sally) Behnke, Julie C. Behnke Fraser, and Dale (Wanda) Behnke; grandchildren, Jennifer, Dustin, Kara, Gary, Lana, Owen, Lisa, Jack, and A.J.; 12 great grandchildren; sister, Linda Behnke Kalebick; aunt, Edith Moss, (98 years old!); and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Charles Behnke; parents, Irwin and Elsie Behnke; and his grandson, Paul Edward Behnke.



The private service was intimate and beautiful as family members gave loving tributes to this very special man. He was laid to rest on September 29th at Rose Hills on what would have been his 87th birthday.



Auf Wiedersehen ...