Carl A. Seifert, 72

Following a long and painful battle, Carl A. Seifert, 72, of Polson, passed away peacefully on Oct. 19, 2010, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson, surrounded by his family. Carl was born to Albert H. and Betty Seifert on July 2, 1938, in Polson. He was raised on a combination farm and cattle ranch in Eli Gap and Reservoir Valley. He always believed that was where he got his education in life. He attended grade school in Reservoir Valley south of Pablo Reservoir, and later graduated from Polson High School. He married Peggy Long in 1955. After graduation he spent the rest of his life in Polson in various businesses. He purchased a Union Oil service station and bulk distributorship shortly after graduation, later adding a large tire shop and general garage, and small engine repair, which he operated until 1972. Carl and Peggy purchased a farm/ranch combination in 1967 northwest of Polson, located near Sunny Slope Hill west of town where they raised hay, grain and registered Hereford cattle. In June of 1973 he purchased the Polson Ready Mix, expanding that business to include concrete work and general construction until 1984, while continuing to live at the ranch. They moved to town in 1990 after selling the ranch and Carl began selling real estate. A short time later he became broker-owner of Mission Mountain Realty and sold real estate until his death. Over the years he took pride in keeping his ranch immaculate, raising registered horned Herefords, raising and training registered Chesapeake dogs, and providing or creating jobs for many. In the fall of 1972, he was elected Montana state representative from Lake County and served in that capacity until 1984. Among his many legislative accomplishments was the introduction of a House resolution to fund a study of the Flathead Lake region, which later resulted in the creation of the Flathead Basin Commission. Carl s life philosophy was centered on a strong work ethic. Carl enjoyed spending time with friends and family " especially at their cabin on the Swan River, working with L.M. Benson on pack trips in the Bob Marshall, float trips in the Bob Marshall, and fishing trips to the coast with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling with friends to world destinations, being Santa s helper for many years, and most recently playing game warden and hunting elk on a good friend s ranch near Drummond. He was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church since 1959, a member of the Masonic Lodge and was a master Mason for 50 years, a honorary life member of the Royal Arch Masons, a member of the Jesters of Montana, a 50-year member of the Bagdad Shrine Temple and past president of the Salish Shrine Club, a member of Polson Elks Lodge No. 1965 for 53 years, and served seven years in the Montana National Guard, attaining the rank of battalion motor pool sergeant for the 639th field artillery division. Carl was preceded in death by his father and mother, Al and Betty Seifert; and three sisters, Barbara, Bonita and Mary, who died at a young age. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, of Polson; sisters, Joan and Howard Andersen of Polson, Gloria and Jim Crawford of Moses Lake, Wash., and Kathleen Hartsoch and Dave Kesting of Polson; children, Ilene and Steve Hamilton of Bothell, Wash., Keith and Jeanne Seifert of Glendive, Noreen and Jim Jackson of Polson, and Scott and Ivy Seifert of Missoula; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; along with all of his friends. He was a beloved father figure to many, including Lee Draughan and Michael Ross, whom he helped raise for a short time. Visitation for friends and family will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24, at the Grogan Funeral Home, Polson. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 25, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Polson. Interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson, followed by a reception at the Polson Elks Club. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church building fund, or to the Salish Shrine club. Messages of condolence and remembrances of Carl are encouraged and may be left with the family online by visiting www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for the Seifert family.