Arthur F. “Art” Behling, age 103, of Kimberly, died early Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with his family by his side. He was born in Kimberly to the late Raymond and Theresa (Luniak) Behling on September 17, 1923. Art married Margaret Boucher at Holy Cross Parish in Kaukauna on July 13, 1946. They were married 77 years and became registered in Wisconsin Marriage Hall of Fame as one of the longest married couples before her death in September of 2023.

Being a World War II veteran, Art was proud of being a 2nd class torpedoman for the United States Navy on the USS Braine DD630. Following his honorable discharge, he began a career with Kimberly-Clark, where he worked until his retirement in 1976 at the age of 52. He and Margaret then moved to their cottage on Koonz Lake in Gresham and enjoyed lake life from 1964-2000. The two were driving Snowbirds of different routes, including the Historic Route 66, to Arizona until 2002, before building another home by Lake Winnebago.

Art enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life, even continuing to fish until the remarkable age of 101. He also found a love for woodworking, becoming known as the ‘Woodpecker Man’ for the thousands of wooden woodpecker door knockers he made over the years. Cribbage was his biggest entertainment, making designed boards for family and friends. He played thousands of cribbage games having 3 exact perfect hands with the diamond suit.

Throughout his 50 years of retirement, Art certainly didn’t slow down. He attended numerous ship reunions with Margaret at his side. “ Many of you heard the stories.” Together they traveled to many parts of the United States. In fact, with his trusty scooter for the past 15 years, one might argue he only picked up speed. Tuesday mornings were especially important to Art, as he looked forward to gathering with his younger veteran friends at Old Glory Restaurant. Of course, the weekly free pancake from Old Glory’s owner, Matt, was always a highlight.

Known for his “Art Sightings,” Art made regular stops for candy and conversation at Hallmark, Hometown Pharmacy, Romenesko Dental, Old Glory Restaurant, Cheap Charlie’s, Dollar Tree, Kwik Trip, Dave Valentyne’s, Hub Van Oss’s, rides along the river trail, yearly Paperfest enjoyment—and surely, many other stops we will never know. It’s quite possible that all those visits, friendships, and pieces of candy had something to do with Art making it to 103.

Art is survived by his children: Thomas (Sue) Behling, Philip (Susan) Behling, and Elizabeth “Betsy” (John) Moder; his son-in-law, Dick Westley, his daughter-in-law, Shirley Behling; his grandchildren: Heather (Todd) Westley, Tommy (Danielle) Tuttle, Corey (Zach) Davis, Luke (Tina) Behling, Katie (Jake) Nolan, Lance (friend Lacey) Behling, Jessica (Kelly) Sexton, Chad Behling, Stephanie (Wendy) Wehling, Bryce (Mashel) Behling, Adam (Melissa) Behling, Janna (Tim) Halbach, John (Derek) Moder II, and Jamie (Pete) Ellenbecker; great grandchildren: Elizabeth Michaelis, Austin (Robyn) Michaelis, Ricky Paruch, Tiffany (Matt) Friedrich, Amber (Elijah) Rau, Casey Davis, Addie and Lydia Behling, Miles and Max Nolan, Brianne and Clare Sexton, Evelyn and Natalie Van Thiel (father Matt Van Thiel), Ryan and Ashley Trippler, Cameron Perkovich, Rylan and Braysen Behling, Drew, Lucia, Ellie, Hazel, and Vincent Halbach, Jada, Nadia, and Logan Draheim, and his great great grandchildren: Felix Michaelis, Tori & Rosie Michaelis, and Daisy Friedrich. Art is further survived by his brother, Jerome “Bucky” Behling; his siblings-in-law: JoAnn Behling, Paul (Bernice) Boucher, and Inez Paustian; and special family friends: Tracy, Prestynn, and Collin Evers; along with many other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Art is reunited with his wife, Margaret; his children: Barbara Ann Westley, Bonnie Tuttle, and Al Behling; and his parents-in-law, Arthur and Elizabeth (Reynen) Boucher; along with numerous other family members.

Visitation for Art will be held Monday, November 9, 2026, at HOLY SPIRIT PARISH – KIMBERLY CHURCH (600 E. Kimberly Avenue) beginning at 9:00 a.m. and concluding at 10:45 a.m. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Carl Schmitt officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the William Verhagen American Legion Post 60. Committal Holy Name Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established. To sign the guestbook, please visit oconnellfh.com.

Art’s Family would like to extend their most sincere thanks to the wonderful staff of Frontida Assisted Living in Kimberly as well as the doctors and nurses at St. Elizabeth Hospital for their care in Art’s final days.