Elmer C. Benson Jr., 86, "went to be with Jesus" on Nov. 27, 2007.

He was born Dec. 9 1920, in Wing, N.D., to Elmer C. and Emma (Zeigler) Benson Sr. Elmer spent his childhood in North Dakota farming with his family. In 1934, he moved with his family from Carrington, N.D., to a farm near Creston.

On May 6, 1944, Elmer married Lulu May Jeffries in Kalispell. They raised crops and their children on a farm between Kalispell and Columbia Falls. In 1965, the family moved to Kettle Falls, Wash., and bought the Singers Motel, which they ran for 17 years. In 1982, Elmer and Lulu sold the motel and moved to nearby Colville. In 2006, Elmer moved back to the Flathead Valley to be near his family.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; his dear wife, Lulu; his daughter Carol Ann; and his brother, Jack Benson.

He is survived by his children: son, Elmer Benson, III; son, Duane Benson and his wife, Edith; son, Jerry Benson and wife, Catherine; and daughter, Janet Pruett and husband, Morgan, all of the Flathead Valley; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his sister, Emma Vestre; sister-in-law, Bonnie Benson; and several nieces and nephews.

Elmer enjoyed farming and working the land, spending time with "the boys" in the woods and his daughter and her family. Elmer had the gift of being a good conversationalist and was always ready with a good story or a funny joke. Elmer's favorite moments were spent with his family, going to auctioneer school, taking a cross-country trip, sitting down to a good bowl of soup, dancing and fishing. Elmer never parted with his family when he didn't say "I love you." He will be missed by all.

The family would like to thank the kind and caring staff at North Valley Hospital and Colonial Manor of Whitefish.

Funeral services for Elmer will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, at Johnson Mortuary chapel. Burial will be after services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Elmer's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Elmer's guest book.