Russell "Gene" Benner

Russell “Gene” Benner of Ulm passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026, in Clancy. He was born in Forsyth, Montana on August 22, 1947.

Gene was a man of profound faith, strong hands, great skill, and an even greater heart. He lived a life of service—to God, his family, his country, and to the people he encountered along the way. He was a retired Marine and Vietnam combat-wounded veteran. His commitment to serving others continued throughout his life as an active member and leader of the Marine Corps League.

His faith was at the very center of who he was. Gene served as a Deacon at Cascade Catholic Church, as a Eucharistic Minister, and as band leader. His love for Jesus was genuine and honest. Those who knew him experienced a faith that was humble, sincere, and expressed not merely in words, but in the way he treated people. He gave glory to God for everything.

Gene was a man of many talents and callings. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Montana, and over the course of his life worked as a respected custom saddle builder, drywall contractor, gym owner, and wilderness guide. He ushered hunters and fishermen through the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat wildernesses, sharing with others his knowledge and love of Montana's wild places.

He was an artist in everything he did. Whether fitting a saddle, tooling a rose beneath the horn, tying a fly, building tack for his horses, working with his hands, playing music, or helping someone in need, Gene gave each task his full attention. He cared about doing things well—not for recognition, but because that was simply who he was. He loved playing guitar, and he was a true guitarist, with a collection that would make even Eric Clapton envious. He loved fly fishing, tying his own flies and using them to trick even the slyest of rainbows. He loved riding his horses, using tack that he had built with his own hands. In every one of these passions, his creativity, patience, and craftsmanship were evident.

But above all, Gene loved Jesus, his family, and people. His was truly the knot that bound his family together. He had a gift for making people feel welcome. To him, strangers were simply friends he had not yet met. He had a willingness to help, a generosity with his time and talents, and a genuine interest in the people around him. He could build nearly anything, teach nearly anyone, lead when leadership was needed, and lend a hand when someone was struggling. His hands were rarely idle, and whatever those hands touched received the care of an artist. Most of all, Gene sought to use his life to honor God.

His was a life of faith, family, service, wilderness, music, horses, craftsmanship, and friendship—a life lived with his whole heart. “While he was alive, he lived.” My Dad, your friend, Jesus’ soldier, Gene Benner.

He is survived by his sons, Israel Benner and Gabriel Benner; grandsons, Tristan Benner and Jacob Benner; his best furry friend Ben-Hur “Benny Ben” Benner; and siblings, James Benner, Karen McCloney, Kenneth “Bugs” Benner, and Esther Benner.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ondrea Benner; parents, Wilbur and Marjorie (Redmond) Benner; and sister, Kathy Benner-Schmidt.

A memorial service is being planned for early summer 2027 at Gene’s place in Ulm, Montana. Details will be announced next spring with plenty of time for all who choose to attend to make travel plans. Please come and remember Dad with us at “His Place, Dads Place.”