Carl A. Seifert
Following a long and painful battle, Carl A. Seifert, 72, of Polson, passed away peacefully on October 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, Montana. 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 MT 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, and a Member of the Jesters of MT, 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 7 years in the MT National Guard attaining the rank of Battalion Motor Pool Sgt. for the 639th field artillery division.
Carl is preceded in death by his father and mother, Al and Betty Seifert; three sisters, Barbara, Bonita, and Mary who died at a young age.
He is survived by his wife Peggy of Polson; sisters Joan (Howard) Andersen of Polson, Gloria (Jim) Crawford of Moses Lake, WA., and Kathleen Hartsoch (Dave Kesting) of Polson; children Ilene (Steve) Hamilton of Bothell, WA., Keith (Jeanne) Seifert of Glendive, Noreen (Jim) Jackson of Polson, Scott (Ivy) Seifert of Missoula, 13 grandchildren, 6 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 who he helped raise for a short time.
Visitation for friends and family will be held on Sunday, October 24, 2010 from 4-7 PM at the Grogan Funeral Home, Polson. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, October 25, 2:00 PM 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 the 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.
We will miss seeing Carl at the office, also his daily visit to get a york mint! He would have a joke or two to say and would make your day. He was a real asset to the community and will be missed. Also loved his license plate, that is something he would say. Love from the Beavers
To our Wonderful Family – we are so very sad that we cannot be together with all of you to celebrate Carl’s life. The lessons we have all learned from him over the years will be with us forever, along with endless wonderful memories.
Please know that we are there in spirit, thoughts and prayers to all of you.
My heart goes out to your family. Carl was such a fixture in Polson. Just as this picture shows, he had the cutest grin and twinkle in his eye. He will be missed. Hugs to the entire family.
Dear Family, We will greatly miss Carl. We share so many times together, Swan, singing at our wedding, many many dinners trying to find that rabbit, hope you found it Carl!!!! Babysitting your lovely children. Peggy we will always be there there for you and your family.
Love you all.
Tex & Babs Brown
Mrs. Seifert,
We are friends of Ilene and Steve and have met you at many functions at their home. We send you our sincere condolences during this painful time. We honor your husband and the person he was. His memory will remain with all of his family members and friends.
With sympathy,
The Zsigmondovics Family
Lynn, Ron, Molly and Rob
Ilene ~ Thank you so much for letting me know about your Dad. It’s amazing how that photo of him immediately transported me back in time, as this is exactly how I remember him. Many fond memories of good times at your house when we were all kids. I hope you and Kate and the rest of your family find comfort in the legacy he leaves behind.
Peggy, Joan and all of Carl’s family,
So many wonderful tributes to Carl have been written. It must certainly help to ease some of the pain of your loss. Just know that there are many who are thinking of you at this time. Hugs to all.
Gene and Shirley (Herreid) Rieben
I was so sorry to read about Carl. He was a great guy and a great boss……………Even though he regularly shook my head to see if there was anything in there.
He was a kind and generous guy and I loved reading his life story…..darn reminds me I need to return the book. You are so lucky to have it.
This is an e-mail hug to all of you
Peggy & Family
We are saddened to hear about Carl, our deepest sympathy to you, we remember our great times shared with the two of you while living in Polson, many great card games, dinners and time at the Swan and so much more, he is a friend we will truly miss. Our love and prayers to all of you
Roy & Sam
dear peggy and family,we are so to hope you and all are thro this sad time. MOM[ Jo Newell} and all of the Mullen kids will always all the times we got thro our school years and later. CARL help me boughtmy big ole Bonnelville from elmer robertson! The memories will lots of the Polson we remember. GOD BLESS, Toni BRONSON
Dear Peggy and Family, Please accept our Sincere Sympathy and Love,
Chic and Pat Webb
Dear Peggy,
I was so saddened at the news of Carl’s passing away. He was a very special guy. The years we worked together at Premiere Properties hold a lot of good memories, especially the joking & fun times with Carl, Bert, Bill, Crystal, Joe & Dave.
Carl was a terrific guy and we will all greatly miss him. Even though this is an extremely difficult time for you and your family, now that Carl is in a far greater place with renewed health and a new life I am sure he is saying “Ya Fine”!
Ryan too sends his condolences, especially to his good friends Zack, Jake & Sarah.
Most sincerely, with love and prayers,
Gayle Brueggeman
It was always good to see Carl. He was a great one to go for advice or a good story. He will be forever remembered and sorely missed in Polson, Montana. We were all lucky to know him!
Peggy,
We are so sorry to hear about Carl. I know he will be greatly missed.
With Sympathy,
Frank and Cheryl Thomas
My deepest sympathies to the family.
The Nelson family has decades of memories of Carl.
Please know that we are praying for your family!
Dear Peggy & Family,
Our thoughts & prayers are with your family at this difficult time, how many lives Carl touched.
Love Ken & Sandy
Dear Peggy & Family,
We just learned of Carl’s passing a few minutes ago, so were unable to attend the funeral.
Our thoughts are with you today and in the coming days, and trust that family members & friends will be there to support you during this time.
Gerald & Sally Askevold
“Happy Trails to you”, Carl. Lorraine Yde Windermere RE/Lakeside
Family of Carl,
I enjoyed knowing Carl from 1991 to this fall. We had many engaging conversations about real estate and “the times” and I enjoyed every one. He was a bright man who worked hard and accomplished a lot. Please know that you have my deepest sympathies.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Schulte
Recently retired from being CEO for the Northwest Montana Assoc. of REALTORS
Dearest Peggy and family,
Reading of Carl’s passing today brought back hundred’s of memories from weekends in the Swan to Shriner’s functions all over the state. Christmas livened up when Santa came to visit..because he drank scotch instead of milk! I always made it a point to visit Carl’s office when I came to town and enjoyed his impromptu phone calls all the way to Tennessee. God bless you all and we will all miss this kind, loving soul! You all all in my prayers… -”Miss Marcia”
Dear Seifert Family,
My deepest condolence to Peggy and to Carl’s extended family. We are all going to miss Carl he was such a fine man to work with in the real estate community and he was rich with those who would call him a friend, Myself included. I celebrate Carl and his life for a job very well done at so many levels. May all rest in peace.
In time of Remembrance
Bruce Young
Keith and Jeannie and Seifert Family,
We were sorry to hear of your loss. I always thought your Dad was so kind when the whole Bay View Drive neighborhood would be yelling and screaming at Krissy Blankenhorn’s house and your Dad would come outside with his beautiful smile and talk with us. May God, who is love, surround you all and carry you through your lives as you journey back to him. I’m sure he was very proud of all of you. May God bless you and hold you at this difficult time.
Carl was blessed by a loving God and he then went out into the fields and was a blessing to many. My prayerful thoughts go out to the family. Janette Rosman, Windermere Real Estate/Ronan.
Peggy & Family ~ Our sincere & heart felt condolence’s sent to you all.
I think of Carl & can’t help but grin – he was such a part of my up-bringing. Thinking back, I’ve always known him!! I’ll never forget when I finally figured out he was Santa!!
Loved the wonderful memories of The Shriners, Horse Patrol, The Swan, Our trip to Vegas in y’all’s big blue car with the Shriner glued on the dash!!! And especially how much love he had for his family.
Peggy you both mean so much to me, and please just know you are in my heart & in my prayers daily. All of you………….Love & Prayers from The Sandler’s in Texas
Peggy and family, I just heard of Carl’s pasing today. He was always a good friend to the extended Seifert family. I will always remember his wit whenever I was around him .
I was sad to hear of Carl’s passing. He was such a good man, always with a story to tell or a joke to share. I worked with Carl for over 13 yrs with Polson Homes and Real Estate (a real estate publication). He always had his ads ready and was so organized! I don’t think he missed an issue in all those years.
He would tell me of his latest trip or plans for a trip, show me family photos and then, of course, talk real estate. Carl did well when many were trying to scratch out a living in the business. I’m sure with his “good old boy” ways , straight talk and long time knowledge of the area, he was a man you knew you could put your trust in…There ain’t many like him and I’m sure many of us will never forget him. God Bless you, Carl
Just a note to let your family know we continue to pray for you all. It was good to be able to read this.
Ilene and family. We are so sorry about your dad’s passing. I know it was not totally unexpected but still is so very hard, especially coming on the heels of Manny. We didn’t know your dad well but enjoyed the times that we talked to him on real estate business. Our prayers are with you, your family and your mom.
Grama Peg, Noreen, Zach, Billy, Miranda, Medora and Randy…I was so sad to hear about Grampa Carl. Please know that you and the rest of the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Carl was a good man, and he did a lot of good things. He (and the truck) will really be missed being seen around the valley. Real Estate just got a bit more interesting in heaven!
Tedd and Steph Herreid
Emily Sherman
I am so sorry for you great loss. Carl & all the Seifert were always a pilar of the community in Polson when I was growing up. Noreen and all, my condolences!
You are in my thoughts & prayers,
Janet Kaercher King
Thinking of you Ilene, Kate, and your entire family, and sending loving thoughts your way.
Ilene and family,
The story of your Dad’s life come alive for us because of the similarities with our fathers’ lives and character with their roots in Columbus and Stillwater County. We know he will be missed by all, but the great memories and legacy he leaves behind will never be fogotten.
Oru sympaty and God’s Blessings,
Jim and Glenda Nordahl
Dear Noreen & Family,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Becky & Frank
Dear Peggy and Family-
Cam and I are so sad to hear about Carl. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Penni and Cam White (Ferraris & Thompson)