Leonard M. Benjamin, M.D., 93

Dr. Leonard M. Benjamin died April 4, 2006, in Kalispell.

Dr. Benjamin was born Nov. 12, 1912, on a homestead in Toole County near Shelby, with his father delivering him.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Harry E. and Martha Frogge Benjamin; his brothers, Ralph, Harry Jr. and Earl; and his son, Darrell. Leonard's first wife, Anthony Striedenger, also preceded him in death.

He is survived by Norma Witt Benjamin, his wife for 35 years; his sons, Leonard A. Benjamin and Harry D. Benjamin; his daughter, Victoria Burnett; stepchildren, William C. Witt, Roger Witt and Susan Anderson; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Leonard was encouraged to become a physician by his uncle in Illinois who was a physician. He pursued his dream, working intermittently through the years to attain his goal. He graduated from Shelby High School in 1931. He attended Intermountain College in Helena from 1934 through 1935, graduating from the University of Montana in 1939. He attended the University of Minnesota Graduate School in 1939 to 1940 and again to U of M 1940-1941 for advanced study.

At last he entered the Colorado School of Medicine in Denver, attending from 1941 through 1944. Leonard had a one-year residency at Murray Hospital in Butte.

He set up practice in Deer Lodge, from 1946 through 1979. He especially enjoyed surgery and obstetrics. He also worked two mornings a week at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge.

Aside from practicing medicine, fishing, hunting, trap shooting and being outdoors with his family and friends rounded out his life.

In 1970 he married Norma Witt, who brought along her three children. They enjoyed a happy life, surrounded by family.

Upon retirement the community of Deer Lodge set aside a day to honor him for a "job well done." They collected two books of "Love Letters" from patients and friends.

Saying goodbye to Deer Lodge, he and Norma moved to Bigfork along the Flathead River where he planted a bountiful garden, many fruit trees and a greenhouse for his tomatoes; sharing with family and friends.

As his health deteriorated, he moved to the Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork. Norma resided in Bigfork also.

Leonard was a member of the American Medical Association, the Montana Medical Association, EIks, Kiwanis, Masonic Lodge, Shriners and the Community United Methodist Church in Bigfork. He served 12 years on the Deer Lodge school board and meetings at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at the Jewell Funeral Home in Deer Lodge. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. James Episcopal Church. Burial will be afterward at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge.

Memorials are requested to donor's choice.

Jewell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.