Obituary of Debra Krochta Behnke

The Honorable Judge Debra K. Behnke was born January 16,1953 in Somerville, NJ.  She received her BA in German and history from Indiana University and her JD from the Loyola School of Law in New Orleans.  She worked for both the Public Defenders and State Attorneys offices in Hillsborough County.  Debra served her community as both a Hillsborough County Judge and a Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Judge from 1989 to 2014. She is preceded in death by her sister Jill Krochta, her brother Gregory Krochta, and her father John Krochta.  Debra is survived by her mother Arlene Krochta, sister Denise Krochta, brother Eric Krochta and her daughters Sara and Grace Behnke.  Her proudest achievements were her grandchildren Oliver, Toby, Simon and Iris, who she loved so very much. She was a hero and mentor to many.  Per her wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay in honor of her best friends, Stella, Lucy, and Cleo.