Joseph R. Benner, 53

Joseph R. Benner, of Post Falls, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2014, at home.

Joe was born March 31, 1960, to Sam and Carmelita Benner, in Fairfield, Washington. He grew up and attended school in Coeur d’Alene, graduating from CHS in 1978. Joe earned degrees from both North Idaho College and Lewis-Clark State College.

Joe married his wife Jamie in 1989. They resided in Post Falls. Their son, Scott, was born in 1994. Joe worked 16 years teaching 5th grade at Borah Elementary. He loved to teach math and science. His favorite project was building rockets with his students and launching them on the playground. Joe touched many lives with his generous heart and dedication to the education of his students.

Joe was a top level competitor in many activities. He played tennis in high school and county tournaments. Joe was a dominating bowler on the local and regional scene. He was proud to have bowled two 300 games and a 298, and called Lake City Lanes his home house. Joe, “Chief,” to his softball teammates, was a pitcher and DH on his national level teams. He was named to North Idaho’s All-Time Team, along with many of his teammates. He made many memories traveling around the country for Regional and National tournaments.

After his playing days were done, Joe became active with Scott in Little League baseball, Thunder soccer and Boy Scouts. He also loved to fish and be outside enjoying nature.

Joe is survived at home by his wife Jamie and son Scott, a soccer player at St. Joseph’s College of Maine; his mother Carmelita, of Post Falls; siblings Garry, Roxanne, Jimmy and Jami; and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in passing by his dad, Sam.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held Saturday, January 11, 2014, at 11 a.m. with a funeral Mass at St. George’s Catholic Church in Post Falls. A rosary will take place Friday, January 10, 2014, at 7 p.m., also at St. George’s. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Joe’s name has been set up at any Wells Fargo Bank to benefit the men’s soccer program at St. Joseph’s College of Maine.