Angelika Behlau

Angelika (Mischke) Behlau of Tinton Falls, NJ passed away on March 31, 2025 at the age of 92. She was born on March 24, 1933 in Scheufelsdorf, East Prussia, Germany (later named Tylkowo, Poland) to Josef and Viktoria (Stinka) Mischke. She was the oldest child of 5 children (her brother Josef died at age 1). She grew up on her family farm suffering the hardships and losses due to WWII and the Potsdam agreement, which placed East Prussian Germans under communist Poland occupation. She met and married her life-long beloved husband, Bernhard Behlau, master stone mason, who she met and married at Herz-Jesu-Kirche (Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic church) in Passenheim (Pasym). While awaiting government permission to emigrate from communist Poland, they had three children. With very young children (all under age 5), they immigrated to Gaggenau, Germany where they resided for 15 months. With the belief that other family members would not be able to leave communist Poland, they then applied and received permission to immigrate to the United States via Ellis Island, settling first in North Brunswick, then Spotswood, before they built their home on 2.5 acres in Old Bridge, where they could have a small farm with geese, chickens, and an abundant garden that they shared with family, friends and neighbors. With their children, they became naturalized U.S. citizens. Later with their son Peter, they rebuilt a fire-damaged historic Victorian house in Belmar which let them create more memories: daily strolls on the boardwalk, sitting on the porch meeting neighbors and people watching, and gathering together with family and friends. They moved to Tinton Falls in 2018, they appreciated their kind and friendly neighbors, and were often seen sitting outside their ranch home holding hands. Angelika was cherished as the much-beloved Mäuschen (endearment little mouse, sweetie wife), Mutti, and Omi. She was pioneering mother who has walked great distances yet maintained a simple life: as a generational farmer she grew her own foods, planting fruit orchards and flower beds, raising chickens and geese, sewing and knitting, and making ends meet while sharing with others. She was a beloved friend to so many people in her life. Her sweet disposition, beautiful smile, and love for family and friends shone through every day. Her love extended to all animals, including her many dogs. She had a strong Catholic faith steeped in responsibilities and always doing her best with kindness and love. Angelika is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 69 years, Bernhard; her children, Monika Veronika Ozcelik of Old Bridge, Peter Paul Behlau of East Brunswick, and Irmgard Behlau of Westwood, MA; her grandchildren, Suzan Erin Ozcelik (Austin, TX), Kathryn Viktoria Martin (Lander, WY), Sibel Deniz Ozcelik (Baltimore, MD), Jacqueline Nicole Martin (Cambridge, MA), and Erol Hikmet Ozcelik (New York, NY), and her sister Maria Dembkowski of Koblenz, Germany, and a life-long circle of family friends, both near and far. She is predeceased by parents and brothers, Gerhard Mischke of Sprockhövel, Germany, Bruno Mischke, his wife Luzie and their son Norbert Mischke of Herzebrock-Clarholz, Germany, and her brother-in-law Hans Dembkowski of Koblenz, Germany. Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 12th, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM at the Bongarzone Funeral Home, 2400 Shafto Road, Tinton Falls, NJ and Memorial Mass 11 AM at Church of Saint Anselm, 1028 Wayside Road, Tinton Falls, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please extend your kindness in a donation to your favorite charity or Church of Saint Anselm.

Angelika Behlau

March 24, 1933 - March 31, 2025