Hauff, Ben, July 16, 1918- March 31, 2011 Billings Gazette Billings, MT 5 Apr 2011 Longtime Billings resident Ben Hauff was called home to his Lord and Savior on March 31, 2011, at age 92. He was born on the Hauff homestead in Rosenfeld Township of Sheridan County, N.D., on July 16, 1918, the son of Emanuel and Karolina Hauff. Shortly after Ben's birth, his mother Karolina passed away, leaving him in the care of his aunt, Magdalena Jans. He was raised in the home of Simon and Magdalena Jans, attending school in Rosenfeld Township through the eighth grade. Ben attended Drake High School, graduating in 1936. Upon graduation, he entered the Civilian Conservation Corp for a time, and traveled to California with his friend Martin Isaak, working and living with his brothers Gottlieb, Dave and Emil. After returning to the farm in North Dakota, he later began a courtship with Freeda Ponto, who was visiting with her sister in North Dakota. Ben and Freeda were married on Sept. 26, 1940, at Knox Church Manse, Lloydminster, Alberta. They spent the next several months securing Freeda's legal papers from Canadian and U.S. Immigration Services. At last, Freeda was able to join Ben on the farm in North Dakota during late February of 1941. They later purchased the Simon Jans' farm south of Drake, N.D., and began raising a family, farming until 1958. The family moved to Drake, where Ben operated a Mobil service station and the Restview Motel. He later worked for Investor Diversified Services and moved to Bismarck, N.D., for several years. In 1965, Ben and Freeda moved to Billings, where Ben continued with IDS. Following his employment with IDS, he worked with Frontier Fabrics, traveling throughout Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota. After his employment with Frontier Fabrics, he became a contractor, building homes in the Billings area for many years. He had great pride in the communities in which he lived, serving on the local School Board, and was active in community affairs. He was a primary organizer in two rural telephone companies, and helped organize the REA, which provided electric power to farms and rural areas of North Dakota. Ben served on his local Election Board in North Dakota for many years. He was a student of history and would discuss politics at every opportunity. As a strong supporter of our Constitutional Republic, he was a true patriot. Ben loved the Lord, having been involved in Baptist churches in both North Dakota and Montana. He served as a Sunday school teacher and deacon, and was active in the building and construction of the original Westside Baptist and Rimrock Baptist Church in Billings. He was active with the Gideons, and a supporter of the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. He was always ready to help someone in need. He was devoted to his family. Ben and Freeda were married for more than 69 years. Ben is survived by son Al (Dee) of Billings; daughter Bonnie Peda of Billings; grandsons Greg Hauff of Laurel, Daniel Peda of San Diego, Kyle Peda of Rochester, Minn., Michael Peda of Newport, Wash., Bradley Peda of Seattle, Erik Hauff, currently serving with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan; granddaughters Anita Hauff of Huntley, Melissa Peda of Seattle; and 12 great-grandchildren. Ben is also survived by special friend and companion, Lois Young; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Freeda; both parents; four brothers and four sisters; and his son-in-law, Arlon. Dad, Grandpa, companion and friend, you will be missed greatly. Our family will not be the same without you. You have outlived all of your siblings and most of your friends. We know you are with your Lord Jesus Christ and are at peace basking in His light. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Smith West Chapel, 304 34th St. West. Interment will follow at Terrace Gardens Cemetery. Viewing will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 8, and prior to services on Saturday. Memorials may be sent to the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, 1732 S. 72nd St. West, Billings, MT 59106.