Bennie Joe Sagen

Bennie Joe Sagen, 56, passed away at his home in Whitefish on Feb. 18, 2009, surrounded by his family after a 9-year courageous battle with cancer.

Bennie was born July 4, 1952, in Kalispell. He graduated from Whitefish High School in 1970, then went to work for the railroad until his retirement in 2000.

He was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman. After his retirement he volunteered at the North Valley Food Bank, spent many hours playing bridge, and enjoyed traveling with his family.

He was always willing to lend a helping hand and always had a great story to tell. He touched many people throughout his life and his smile will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his mother Bonnie Schlegel Winter and husband Bumper, of Kalispell; his wife and soul mate Luanne Sagen and their son Sean, of Whitefish; daughter Heather Burnham and husband Marc, of Whitefish and their children Madison, Ayla and Langley; daughter Heidi Sagen and Tyce Willfinger, of Salt Lake City and their children Troy and Gwenith; daughter Dallas DeMarco and husband Joseph, of Ephrata, Pa.; brother Tom Sagen, of Whitefish; sisters Cathy Finberg and husband Chris, of Columbia Falls, and Connie Warner and husband Mark, of Colorado; and numerous other family members and friends.

A celebration of Ben’s life will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church, 5150 River Lakes Parkway, in Whitefish, with a reception to follow at the Moose Lodge in Whitefish.