Wesley Gene Persinger, 89

Wesley “Wes” Persinger passed away Jan. 27, 2019, peacefully at Kalispell Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family, on his day to go home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Wesley was born March 16, 1929, in Henry, Nebraska, to Sim and Marie Persinger. Wes was soon followed by brother Clifford and then brother Donald. After some family moves they settled in Kennewick, Washington.

After high school and a couple semesters of college, he moved a small town called Hines in eastern Oregon. His lumbering, timber industry career began at Edward Hines Lumber Co., from which the town was named. Not long after being hired West received his draft notice. He was headed to Korea and served the Army Infantry in a Mortar Company. Wes was a combat veteran, a true patriot who loved his country.

After his service he returned to Hines and his employer. He met Elaine Neely, the love of his life. They married Dec. 17, 1954. They had four children, Brent, Gary, Scott and Cynthia. They remained married until Elaine’s death in 2010.

While employed at Edward Hines Lumber Co., Wes also became full-time and part-time employed by the city of Hines. He was Hines city marshal and used his own vehicle for patrol — He was the police force of Hines.

After a long career in lumber and timber, with Elaine in nursing, they began new careers in motel management. Soon came an opportunity for a motel in Kalispell, in 1984. Wes took the position where he stayed until his retirement at 65. Wes and Elaine then purchased Riverside Mobile Home Park on Jellison Road in Columbia Falls. Wes loved the property, Flathead River frontage, open space, the trailer park and the tenants. Wes would often help tenants who struggled and give them more time, forgive rents, a helping hand. He remained in managing and maintenance until his passing.

Wes was preceded in death by his mother Marie, father Sim, brothers Clifford and Donald, and wife Elaine.

Wes is survived by his four children, Brent and wife Sue in Columbia Falls, Gary and wife Ilene in Kalispell, Scott and wife Wendy in Columbia Falls, and Cynthia Bullock and husband Don in Columbia Falls; and many grandkids and great-grandkids.

There will be a graveside service with military honors at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at Woodlawn Cemeter in Columbia Falls, followed by a celebration of life at Wesley’s place on the river, 1055 Jellison Road, Columbia Falls. A pig roast for family and friends will follow at approximately 3 p.m.