Milton E (Milt) Benge, age 86 passed away at the Friendship Villa Care Center on April 23, 2013.
Milton was born July 25, 1926 at Coalwood, MT, the son of David and Flossie Benge. He attended a rural school through the 8th grade and graduated from Custer County High School in 1943. He returned home after graduation and helped with the farming until he was drafted into the Army in February 1945.
While on furlough in December, 1945 he and Hughette Daily were married and lived at Camp Crowder, Missouri and FT. Monmouth, N.J. After his discharge they returned to the ranch where he formed a partnership with his brother Dale and farmed for twelve years. They were blessed with a son, Douglas, and daughters Kathryn and Marilyn. Because of an asthmatic condition, he was forced to sell his portion of the farm and moved to Miles City in 1958.
In 1963 he became partners with Hal Ross in the Recreation Lanes and worked there until 1976. He then was named Assistant Administrator of the Custer County Rest Home and later served as the Administrator until his retirement in 1989.
Music was very important to him. He loved playing with family and friends at any opportunity. He joined the Eastern Montana Fiddlers Association and played his fiddle and bass guitar for many dances and helped play at Nursing Homes. He was also active in civic affairs and served as a Trustee at MCC, a member of the Rotary Club, on the Board of Directors of the Montana Health Care Association, past President of the Montana State Bowling Association, a member of the Miles City Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors of the Eagles Manor and past President of the Range Riders Museum.
He was admitted to the Friendship Villa in February of 2008 due to a memory problem.
He is survived by his wife Hughette of 67 years, three children; Douglas (Lucy) Benge, Kathryn (Fredrick) Patten and Marilyn (Gary) Hendrix. Seven grandchildren; Kevin (Nicole) Benge , Todd (Catrina) Benge, Brett Benge, Krista (Nathan) Jorgenson, Chad Patten, Kimberly (Neil) Patterson, Gregory (Lindsay) Hendrix, and also nine great grandchildren, plus numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.
Visitation will begin on Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 29, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. the Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors. Services are under the direction of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. You can send condolences to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
If you wish donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, the Range Riders Museum, or to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday April 28, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday April 28, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday April 29, 2013
First Presbyterian Church
Miles City, Montana
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Following Funeral Service
Monday April 29, 2013
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday April 28, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday April 28, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday April 29, 2013
First Presbyterian Church
Miles City, Montana
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Following Funeral Service
Monday April 29, 2013
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana
Share
Kay Carlson says
My deepest sympathies. Milt was such a part of my life at the bowling alley so long ago. I’ll remember him always.
Roxanna Brush says
Sorry for your loss Hughette. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cathy Cloud Durst says
Marilyn –
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. No matter the circumstances, I know how hard it is to lose a parent. I have so many wonderful memories of time spent at your home in our teens. Your dad was like a second dad to me and I remember him so fondly. His smile, wit and laughter were contagious but he was also someone I could count on for honest advice when I needed it. How fortunate I am to have had his and your mom’s influence in my life. My thought and prayers are with you and your family and I hope to see you soon.
Love – Cathy
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
Hughette, Doug, Marilyn and families,
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Milt. He was indeed a great guy whom I always enjoyed visiting with. His legacy is his very fine family. May your precious memories sustain you through these tough days and weeks ahead. Our sincere sympathy to all of you. Our prayers for God’s grace and peace on you and yours. Vic and Laura Lee
Roberta Phair Schulz says
Hughette, Doug, Kathie, Marilyn and Families,
So sorry to read of Milton’s death–his struggle and yours was long and difficult. My memories of him are numerous and warm. Our sympathies and much love to you all.
Berta and Denny
Linda & Richard Meidinger says
So sorry to hear of Milts passing. We have been gone from Miles City for about 8 years so I know it has been a long tough time.
We remember Milt mostly from our couple of years at bowing. We always enjoyed being around you both. We pray that your memories help you through this sad time.
He is now watching over you I’m sure. You have our sympaty and prayers at this time. Linda and Richard
Patti Green Ireland says
My condolences to Mrs. Benge, Doug, Kathy, Marilyn, and families. Our families have known each other for many years, originally been from the Coalwood/Volborg areas. I believe that Milt and Dad graduated from high school together. Their time in the Eastern Montana Fiddlers was special; what wonderful music they made, and what a blessing they were to their audiences! I’m praying that God wraps his arms around you to give you peace and comfort.
Patti Ireland, on behalf of Clifford and Lyla Green
Darlene L. Strobel says
Doug and Lucy and family,
I am sorry for your loss. May God give you the extra strength, understanding and comfort needed in these days and months.
Darlene
Bruce & Patty Wilson says
Doug, Lucy, and family,
Having spent a lot of time in the Benge home back in the day, I have many fond memories of your father.
I remember Milt as a loving father and spouse who was quick to smile, tell a funny story, and just be fun to be around. His mischievous smile could always light up a room.
You were all blessed to have had your “Milt” all these years.
Take comfort in your many great memories.
Bruce & Patty Wilson
Donna Waddell says
Hughette,
So sorry to hear of Milt’s passing. I pray that you will find comfort in the many happy memories you have. He is at peace and in God’s care now.
May God bless you and your family at this difficult time.
Donna Waddell
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
We are so sorry! Mrs Benge, Doug & Lucy, Marilyn, and the rest of your family have our thoughts and prayers. Your husband, father, and Grandpa leaves a lasting legacy that has, and will continue, to touch hearts and lives. May the Lord comfort you all. Jim & Cathy Bastian
Pat Smith says
Doug and family,
Sorry to hear of your loss of Milt. May your many fond memories bring you peace and may God bring you comfort and strength during this difficult time and in the days to follow. You have our sympathy and prayers. Pat and Darrel
Cary Kruger says
I was very blessed to live in Miles City from 1974-1977. Hal and Milt met the world to me. I will always have the memories of being introduced to bowling by these outstanding men. I look back on those few years (best years of my life) and just want everyone to know- How grateful I was to Milt for helping this young man grow up. GOD has another angel with him tonight. Rest in Peace my friend and say hi to Hal and Jerry for me.
Janet Benge-Ek says
Aunt Hughette, Doug, Kathy & Marilyn:
I was not only blessed with an amazing father [Dale Benge] who formed my character, I was blessed with his brother, Milton, as well. I adored my Uncle Milton and thought of him and Aunt Hughette as my second Dad & Mom. I am so sorry Aunt Hugette for your loss, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. And to my beloved cousins, Doug, Kathy & Marilyn I wish that I could be there to celebrate your Dad’s life and laugh and cry together as we shared all of our memories! God bless you all, and rest in peace my dear uncle, rest in peace.
Jack and Clare Doran says
Dear Hughette and family. We are sorry to hear of Miltons passing. The memories he leaves are wonderful. May our Lord surround you with peace. Sincerely Jack and Clare Doran
Betty (Glen) Kiser says
Dear Hughette and family, I am sorry to hear about Miltons passing. I always enjoyed
visiting with him when he was at Bob and Veras’ and at Coalwood Ladies Aid.
David Ward says
Aunt Hughette and Cousins Douglas, Kathy and Marilyn
I feel very blessed to have had an uncle like Uncle Milton. He always seemed to have the right things to say at the times I needed to hear them most. He did it with that wholesome perspective and sense of humor that made an impregnable impression upon all of us who knew him as family or friend. Part of his enduring legacy for my family is that I was able to pass those values on to my own children and grandchildren. He will be sorely missed in this world, but our valued emissary to the next.
Sharon Wilcox says
Hughette, Doug and family, I got to know Milt when he served on the Board at MCC. He was dedicated to the success of MCC and always thoughtful in his decisions. I enjoyed running into to your family at the Country Club and at other events. Milt is in a better place now. May he rest in peace. May all your happy memories give you comfort.
jude hardesty says
Dear Marilyn and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. May beautiful, bright and happy memories light your path of sadness.
Sincerely,
Jude (judy) hardesty
J Johnson says
Dear Family and friends of Milton Benge – please be comforted by the beautiful memories of Mr. Benge and by the sure hope of Bible promises that will be fulfilled. In the Bible book of Genesis, we notice that God intended for mankind to live in perfect conditions in the Garden of Eden, which was a paradise where everything was “very good” (Gen 1:31). Death was not a part of God’s original purpose but was introduced through Adam’s disobedience (Gen 2:17). There will come a time when the dead are resurrected (John 5:28, 29) and death will be completely done away with (Revelation 21:4) Hopefully these Bible promises will ease the pain of this loss.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Hughette and family,
We have many fond memories of Milt and the fiddlers. Visiting and dances. We are deeply sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace and may you find peace as well.
Dolores I. Christensen Hainer says
Milt Benge and Hal Ross were by bosses when I worked at the bowling alley. Couldn’t have asked for two nicer people to work for.
Milt also went to high scool with my 86 year old sister. Got to know Hughette at this time too. Son, Doug was a musician as is my husband, Bill, and Doug was in high school at some time when I was. He’s younger tho.
Maureen O'Reilly says
Hughette, I was sadened to read about Milt’s passing away and please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a neat person and friend to all.
Dick Cloud says
Marilyn….
Cathy told me of your dad’s passing and I wanted to say I’m sorry for your loss and thinking of you and your family. I remember your dad as such a nice and mild mannered guy and will always associate him with the bowling alley and my own Dad :-). May he rest in peace and may you, your mom and your family find peace and comfort in the many happy memories you have of him.
Dick Cloud
Darlene Jesse Smith says
I want to express my sorrow at hearing about Milton. Having lots of memories of your family as my Mother (Sarah Bly Daily Jesse) was Hughette’s first cousin my thoughts go out to your family. The trips to Miles City from Broadus were never complete without Mom having to stop in for even just a few minutes to visit. Your house was always open for us to drop by or on some occasions stay over for events in Miles. It was always a pleasure to see you at the family get togethers and the school reunions that were held at Miles City. Milton will be greatly missed. My prayers are with all of your family.
Malee (Saelim) Pruekpongsawalee says
Dear Mom, Doug, Kathie and Marilyn,
I hope my massage find you all well. I am still alive and have been thinking about my happy life staying in your family. But I don’t have any any way of getting in touch with all of you. I tried to search for Doug’s address in Mile City, but I am not sure as I don’t know his middle name. Today I searched for Kathie’s name and
found information about Dad. I hope we can get in touch with each other.
Malee Saelim Pruekpongsawalee, Bangkok, Thailand malee_p@hotmail.com, please get in touch through my email.