Rodney Lee Benner, 64, of Colstrip took a piece of our heart home with him to heaven on January 22, 2018.
He was born October 19, 1953 in Kalispell to Albert & Pearl Benner. Rod grew up in St. Regis where he attended elementary and high school graduating in 1972. As a young boy Rod responded to God’s call at a summer Vacation Bible School to give his life to serve the Lord. He was a graduate of Briercrest Bible College in 1976 and began pastoring his first church while attending school. Rod met the love of his life Sherry Larum of Lolo and they were married December 27th, 1975. Together they had 3 children, Jason, Dusty, & Stephanie. Through 43 years of ministry Rod served faithfully as a pastor in Cody, Wyoming, Ronan & Polson Montana, Palmer & Homer Alaska, Hodgeville & Yorkton, Sask. Canada, Lewiston Idaho, and the last 10 years at Life’s Journey Christian Fellowship in Colstrip, Montana. Peru also had a special place in Rods heart as he traveled there 13 times to do evangelist and healing crusades and train pastors.
His passionate pursuit of the outdoors included fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, snowmobiling, camping…and any other excuse to get outside! His dream to hunt in Alaska included a 53 pound King Salmon, Dahl Sheep, Grizzly Bear, Moose and Caribou. Rod loved hunting for deer & antelope but his greatest delight was hunting for elk, (he bagged 35!) but in the end it wasn’t the trophies, or the hunt…. it was being with his buddies, kids, and grandkids that gave him his greatest joy.
Rod is survived by his devoted wife Sherry, sons Jason (Cherie) & Dusty (Chandra), daughter Stephanie (Kevin) Schafer, and 13 grandchildren that he adored and that adored him! He is also survived by 2 sisters, Sharon (Jack) Adamson, & Mary Benner Aarneson (Allen deceased), 4 brothers, Dick, Jim (Elaine), Gary (Kim), Bruce (Suzanne) Brown, numerous nephews and nieces and many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his sister Alberta (Ron) Nebel in April and his dear mother Pearl Jackson on December 27th (Rod & Sherry’s 42nd anniversary).
Rod lived a noble life and worthy example of who Jesus is. As a friend of Rod’s wrote, “Thank you for saying yes to Jesus and never looking back. Thank you that you refused to let bitter people make you small; that pain didn’t break you; that darkness couldn’t dim your light and fear didn’t hide your love. Thank you for loving without reservation; for your commitment to reaching the world for Jesus one person at a time; to see as Jesus saw, to hear as Jesus heard, and to do as Jesus did. Thank you for not condoning, not condemning but being filled with compassion. Yours is a life to be imitated; lived with passion and integrity in pursuit of the heart of God. Only heaven knows the full impact of your life and its mark in eternity. One thing is sure, the best is yet to come!”
Be sad with us, but rejoice with us too. As Rod would have wanted you to, get to the Jesus he called “friend and Lord”. Rod led a life worthy of the Master’s praise, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Donnie and Paula Peplow says
Sherry and family,
Enjoyed Rod coming into city hall and visiting. You are in our thoughts and prayers and may your memories bring smiles to your faces. Heaven opened its gates to a believer and now their is singing and dancing.
Robin Sterrett says
Sherry and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shelly Holum says
Thinking of all of you..at this difficult time
Bob & Mary Ann Whitehead says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Gary & Renee' Dent says
We met Pastor Rod at a revival in Conrad and were blessed to hear him for the three nights he spoke and we were touched and renewed by the preaching of this man of God.
Please know that his family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe & Grace Josserand says
Joe and I are so sorry for your loss. We appreciated Rod coming over and telling us his fishing stories and talking about your children He was so kind and comforting when we first found out about Joe’s illness. His prayers were such a comfort to us. Letting you know that we are praying for his soul and all of the family.
Heather says
When Dale and I think of Rod and Sherry we see a great example of how to raise your kids and love your spouse God, Please give him a Dr. Pepper and a salted nut roll.
Chanel Lake says
We are praying for you all. All of you have a special place in our hearts!! We pray for peace and comfort during this difficult time. Love Tim and Chanel
Joyce Rucks says
Peace and comfort to you and your family. He was special. Met him at Sojourn when he preached, May God Bless him on his journey with the Lord!!
Brian and Kristy Torgerson says
Our family has such wonderful memories of Pastor Rod! He was a wonderfu, kind and caring man! He had such an enormous presence and he will be greatly missed by so many! We were blessed to have known him. Our deepest sympathy to Sherry and family!
Dave Reddekopp says
Love, prayers and tears for you, Sherry and family. It is hard for us that are left behind, but as Paul said ” to die is gain ” We know Rod is gaining joy now.
Jennifer Hayne says
We are heartbroken & yet so thankful that we had the privilege of knowing & loving Pastor Rod & Sherry for our first 7 years back to Lewiston. Rod & Sherry’s commitment, compassion & grace changed our lives. We came to their church hurting & broken. Our first visit to their church, Sherry plugged our kids into the church’s Christmas play- but we had already decided that this was our new church! Rod’s preaching was right from the Word of God- so applicable & accurate. Rod was the first one that encouraged my husband to pray out loud in church -(a HUGE step for him). After a year or so, Rod asked him to lead his first bible study, & soon after, to lead men’s group. Within a year or so, Rod encouraged Bill to serve on the elder board, & within a few more years of serving & learning from Rod & Sherry, Rod asked Bill to be his assistant pastor. Within a couple years, when Pastor Rod & Sherry were called to Alaska, Bill was asked to be the interim pastor, (& he has been a pastor ever since- for the past 20 years). Rod & Sherry have lived their lives like I imagine Jesus would live. They love & serve with such grace, mercy, & compassion – not judging or condemning – reaching to the ends of the earth with the Good News of Jesus. I know Rod is walking with Jesus & heaven is even happier! His laughter is filling the air. Our prayers are with you Sherry, Stephanie, Dusty, & Jason- & your beautiful families. We love you all.
Clarence & Nona Schaff says
Out love and prayers go out to you Sherry and family. Pastor Rod never preached a boring sermon in the 10 yrs he was our pastor. He preached what God gave him with all he had within in him. You knew he believed every word he was telling you. His love for his wife Sherry and his kids and grandkids, was evident in every thing he done. He left a LOVE legacy for all of us to follow. One of the last things he said in his last sermon was ” If I haven’t taught you anything since I’ve been here, I hope I’ve taught you how to love.”” He did that with hugs,and “I love you,” without reservation. Thank you Pastor Rod for giving yourself to us. You will be SO missed by you church, and most of all your family. You will always be remembered for integrity ,honesty, and your love for your Savior and friend Jesus!.
Nancy and Dave Coultas says
Loved listening to him sing and sitting behind him in church in Superior. The opportunity he provided for our son Jack to go with him to Peru is one we will always remember. Bless you, he will be missed
Alana Kietzman says
Sherry, I am so sorry to hear about your dear husband’s death. You always talked with such love and respect about him. I pray that God provide you grace and peace as you grieve. I am praying for you and your family.
JD & Lisa Kunkel says
What an amazing man he truly was. We are blessed to have known him and his family. Praying for you all Benner Family.
Robert and Debra Lewandowski says
Our family was so sad to hear of Rod’s passing. He was such a cheerful, kind, and caring person! He was always so good to our whole family! You could tell he was one of God’s best!! We will truely miss seeing him in our little town and at our school games!! He sure cared about the kids. God bless Sherry and family! We will be praying for you all!! ???
Calvin and Roxie Wilson says
We will miss seeing Pastor Benner at our games and we will miss hearing his words of encouragement . He always told me how he loved watching the Fillies play and how hard they play. He had a special way of making people feel good after they visited with him. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and we will play extra hard for him on Saturday.
May the Lord watch over all of you and may he comfort you all in your sorrow.
Robyn (Onsager) Carlson says
Love to you all, and prayers for God’s peace through these difficult days. Rod was a true caring man and leader of Christ’s love. We were blessed to know him and have fond memories, including him officiating our wedding. He is/will be greatly missed…..
Love,
Robyn, Shea, & family ~
Brad and Courtney Livermon says
Praying for your family! Love to all of you! Beautifuly written!
Nicole Coles says
So Sorry for your families loss Dusty, Chandra and kids. Prayers and thoughts are with you. Big Hugs, Love Nicole Coles and Family
Tom & Susan Miller says
I graduated with Rod back in 1972. I unfortunately had not kept up with his life but I admired and respected hin because well before graduation he knew his calling in life. Reading through the previous entries, it’s obvious he positively touched and blessed a lot of lives. As Jesus was Rod’s solid moral foundation, Rod’s exemplary life can be a template for us to follow so we too can follow the true light. My condolences to all Rod’s family and friends. You’re in my prayer list as you go through this sorrowful time. God bless.
Kim Hangartner says
Stephanie and Kevin
I’m sorry to hear about your fathers passing. You have my sincere condolences and sympathy. I can relate on what you are going through because I lost my mom at an early age and we were very close too. May God be with you all.
David & Cindy Ottun says
We are so sorry and want you to know we are praying for your family. Our hearts hold many years of special memories and you will always have a special place in our hearts. We love you all.
Tom and Tonya Wright says
We were so blessed to have had the privilege to get to know Rod even from long distance! We loved him from the first conversation! We know he lives on in the thousands of lives he blessed!!!
Dennis Loewen says
I knew Rod from an early age and graduated high school with him. I have many good memories: sleeping out in his yard near the apple tree, and how cool it was sleeping in his parent’s teardrop camper. Picking apples along the railroad tracks while on our way to fish the mouth of the river. The time we made it all the way to the old mill on the Clark Fork and he convinced me to wade out to an old pier, knowing full well I couldn’t swim. I remember him saying you can do it, I’ll help you. And he did! Even then Rod was reaching out to others. I am fortunate to have known him and know I will see him again. My prayers are with you. God bless
Duane and Jane says
Rod will truly be missed by all, he is such an inspiration to the whole community. I will really miss him giving me grief about officiating and will never forget his positive energy he always had and shared.
Duane and Jane
Gord and Debbie Grunert says
Our deepest condolences to your family. We definitely have been blessed to have known him. May God continue to empower you all as you live for Him. Know that you are in our prayers and thoughts and that he will never be forgotten as he was truly a man of God. Love you all take care ??
Judy Shostak says
Sherry & family,
Sherry you have been an inspiration in my life since day one of our meeting. We are holding you so close in our hearts & prayers. Incredibly sorry for the loss you are going through and the loss to the Christian community of this very inspiring man.
Vicky and Dave Saulsbury says
Pastor Rod used to stop into our office at the Isabel Bills School building when LJCF was meeting there and he had a way of making me feel special just for doing my job. He was always so appreciative and usually took the time to tell me a story of miracles that happened in Peru or share his love of the Lord. I enjoyed visiting with him.
His love for his family was also very obvious and our hearts and prayers go out to you. He will be greatly missed.
John, wendy, travis, brandon, and Luke Smith says
We did not get to know pastor rod as long as we would have liked. But in the time we did know him he always made us feel special and accepted and wanted st his church. He would always make a point to come give a hug and chat with us like old friends. He was a very special man who knew how to love. He will be very missed by many people. We are praying for your family during this difficult loss. We all know that he knew and LOVED Jesus.
Bill Smith says
I met Rod in 1960, the summer before 1st grade. We have been friends ever since. I owe my salvation to his persistent witness and prayers. I don’t know anyone who I am more sure that they are in Heaven than Rod.
Reg Howe says
To Sherry and all the entire family. My heart and prayers have been with you, they are now and always will be. All of you have touched my life in a special way. I will miss my friend but I know he will be waiting for me in Heaven with my Dad. And I get to meet Jesus. Till we meet again my friend. I love you Rod.
Tammy Becker says
We didn’t know Rod, but ministered with Dusty in the Philippines quite a few years ago. As I read about Rod, I discovered that he and Sherry were married on the exact same day as Daniel and I were married. So young, but I can tell he lived well, loved hard, and his Purpose on this earth was achieved. Our condolences to the whole family and you grieve your loss. Sincerely, Daniel and Tammy Becker
Bonnie Jones Graham says
Ahhhhh, Sher….so, so heartbroken for you. No words will make this better but your Lolo Ladies will be standing beside you in Polson on Tuesday. We have all been grieving with you this week, praying for you and your family, knowing that in this cloud of sadness there is also fulfillment of the promise that Rod is home with the Lord. Rod was such a light for me, as you and he bopped in and out of my life since I met him the summer of ’75 in Lolo. So many fond memories…. You are dearly loved my friend.
Bonnie
Henry and Sue Dueck says
Sherry and Family, we are so sorry for your loss.We have the fondest of memories going back to the Briercrest years. While still a student, Rod followed his ministry passion and accepted a role as pastor in Swift Current. I learned a lot from him about compassion for sharing the truth of scripture. He was an inspiration of courage, unafraid to step out in faith. Over the years we had the joy of getting to know Rod and Sherry and see them fulfill their passion of ministry in several different locations. He will certainly be missed. Our prayers are with you Sherry and your family.
Glen Johnson says
Rod and I were friends since grade school. Competing against each other in sports and during the hunt, but always friends. We attended Camp Utmost together, and along with our pastor’s son, Bob Fister, spent countless hours hunting, fishing, a fooling around all the way through high school. Soon after high school we lost touch with each other and it wasn’t until about four years ago, when my mom died and Rod called me, that we rekindled our friendship. It meant a lot that he had seeked me out in an effort to help me through my loss, and now he too has left this Earth. Watch over me my friend and thank you for all the good that you did during your life and ministry. May the Peace of Christ be with your loved ones and may God bless them richly as they carry on your legacy.
Sadie and Bill keast says
Dear Sherry and family, we were deeply saddened to learn of Pastor Rods passing. We were blessed to to have him minister in our alliance church in Yorkton and we often listen to a tape from those years and have listened to some of his messages from your church in Montana, online. God keep you in his tender loving care and we will keep you in our prayers.
Dale Pouteaux says
So sorry to hear this tragic news from my brother. Rod and Sherry lived with us for several months when they were 1st married. They pastored our church in the Hodgeville area. They were always a couple I admired. Rod was truly smitten with his blonde petite bride. I have been blessed to have known you as a great pastor couple starting your journey. God Bless
Sharon (Jack) Adamson says
Here it is over two years since Rod has gone to heaven, and our family misses him still. I am the oldest in our family of eight kids, and Rod had made a decision early on that he would serve the Lord. He helped me make a decision for Christ, we were raised in the church, but it’s a personal decision that I finally made at age 31. He made it a point to see mom and all of us in Polson often, and we loved he and Sherry’s visits. They raised three outstanding kids who are all in the ministry, (Jason is a builder now), and they are blessed with 14 grandchildren, the last being born after Rod had gone to heaven, but of course he knows. He did our mom’s funeral, she passed on Dec. 27, 2017 and who would know that he too, passed just 26 days later, on Jan. 21, 2017. He was the one that got things rolling; he and mom would decide on a date for family events, then when it was time, he would call me. I was the communicator and I would send out emails and set it up. We LOVED our family time together, and were blessed with such a dear mom (Pearl Benner Brown Jackson) who loved us all dearly, and only wanted us to love each other. In that, she succeeded big time. It’s been a real journey for Sherry, and now she is nursing her mom who is ill, and her dad too, so she stays ever so busy. But what she misses the most, is those big bear hugs from that dear husband of hers. I loved reading all your well wishes and condolences, thank you for loving Rod and Sherry and their kids, it means the world to me. God bless you all, and I will see you again at the Heaven’s Gate. Sharon Benner Adamson XO
Ivan says
So sorry to hear about this. We won a gold medal in basketball together, South Saskatchewan winter games.
Jan B. says
Sherry,
Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I apologize this is a dated note, I only recently became aware of your loss.
You are a exceptional person and to know you is to love you.
Take care,
Jan