Service Schedule

Visitation
Friends may call at Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel in Williston, ND on Monday, July 6, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and one hour prior to services at the church.

Service
Les’s Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Williston, ND. Pastor David Maxfield will officiate.

The service will be broadcast on our facebook page, please follow the link below.

Due to COVID 19, we ask that everyone adheres to local and state requirements for social distancing

Watch the Funeral Service LIVE on Tuesday 11:00 AM, July 7, 2020 on our F&S Facebook Page-CLICK HERE

Les J. Benth
November 16, 1947 - July 2, 2020

Residence: Williston, North Dakota

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Les J. Benth, 72, of Williston, North Dakota, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2020, at his residence in Williston, ND.

Les Benth was born November 16, 1947 in Williston, North Dakota to Marvin and Gladys (Bakken) Benth. He was raised on the family farm in Bonetrial before the family eventually moved to Williston, where he attended school.

Les worked for the Williams County Highway Department for 44 years, retiring in 2009.

In June of 1967, Les married Loretta Halvorson. Les and Loretta later divorced but remained close friends.
Les married Kathi Knutson on August 8, 2002 during the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota.

His hobbies included buying and flipping motorcycles. He attended the Sturgis Rally for 40 consecutive years.

Les lived his life to the fullest.

Les is survived by his wife, Kathi (Williston, ND); his children, Carey (Williston, ND) and Heidi (John) Flory and their children, Dustin and John Jr (Williston, ND); bonus children, Kellee (Jeremy) May and their children, Kagen, Zackree and Macee (Havre, Mt) and Kabe Knutson (Williston, ND); brother, Dennis (Hereford, AZ); sister, Sandra (Dale) Moldenhauer (Williston, ND); aunt, Gladys Benth (Williston, ND) and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Marvin and Gladys and brother, Loren.

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Kenny Ellingson
Jul 3, 2020

Rest in peace My friend. You will be missed by a great many.

Kathy Gillman (Rapid City, SD)
Jul 3, 2020

Ah ole Buddy!! So many memories going back so far!! You will be missed! My deepest condolences to Cathy, Heidi and Keri and all the family and friends! Rest easy Les!!

Wendy Martinson Johnson (Minot, ND)
Jul 3, 2020

RIP Les

Tom Rhonda Gilbert (Williston, ND)
Jul 3, 2020

going to miss Santa his hugs were the best. And that smile. He's in good company Eldon Rod biker friends etc

Glen & De Clark (Williston , ND)
Jul 3, 2020

Sending condolences to the families of Les. Many memories will be left behind of a great man. His infectious smile and personality will be missed. I'm willing to bet he rode 1 of his many motorcycles to the pearly gates, smiling. He's having happy hour and huge conversations up there now. RIP Les

Vandi Scoty (Williston, ND)
Jul 3, 2020

So sorry to hear of Les's passing. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers

Harold and Jodene Christopherson (Williston, ND)
Jul 3, 2020

Rest easy Les, condolences to your family and friends, you will be missed by many.

Dave and Leona Somerfeld (Power, MT)
Jul 3, 2020

Kathi, our thoughts and prayers are with you on the passing of your husband. We are thinking of you. God Bless.

Lester & Leslyan Ronholdt family (Williston , N. D. )
Jul 3, 2020

We are so sorry for your loss. Les was always a real genuine person. His passing leaves a loss for his family and the entire community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours in your time of sorrow.

Carla and Kevin Jeffrey (Williston, ND)
Jul 3, 2020

Oh Heidi and family,
So very, very sorry for your loss. Hold on to the great memories and unforgettable moments you shared with your Dad. I won't say it gets easier, it doesn't, but it gets kind of bearable. Thought and prayers to all.
Carla and Kevin and family

Jerry and Renee Rogness (Williston, ND)
Jul 3, 2020

We had many good times together, Les! You will be missed!

Vicki Martinson (Williston, ND)
Jul 3, 2020

So sorry for your loss. Sympathy and prayers to the family.

Smoke n Debbie Collier (Trenton, N.D.)
Jul 3, 2020

Our thoughts n prayers are with all of Les’s family. Les was a great guy with a big heart he will be missed by a lot of people. Til we meet again RIP Les

Debbi Cornelius Herman (Lincoln City, Oregon)
Jul 3, 2020

Les was one of the good guys. I have lots of great memories!
My heart goes out to all members of his family.
God Bless and may he rest in peace.

Kelly and Tricia Slater (Trenton , ND)
Jul 3, 2020

So heartbreaking, Les was such a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed! Your family is in our prayers!! Rest In Peace buddy.

Jerry and Shannon Gordon (Williston , Nd)
Jul 3, 2020

This is a tough loss. A great man always so genuine and true. We will sadly miss him.

Peggy Slough (Williston, ND)
Jul 3, 2020

Rest In Peace brother

Sandi Gunderaon (doug gunderson) wife (williston, n.d)
Jul 3, 2020

Many Blessings

Monica Haskin (Williston , ND)
Jul 3, 2020

To all of Les’s Family, I don’t know where to begin, but hold all your memories close to your hearts. What a man he was, always smiling. He had a tender Teddy Bear heart. A lot of good memories from back to the early 70’s with this guy. He will forever be remembered. RIP Buddy. fly high Les.

Sharon Njos (Bismarck , ND)
Jul 4, 2020

His laugh and passion for life.., those are the first thing I think most people think of when they remember Les. But I had the opportunity to see another side of him. When his son was hospitalized and I had to tell Les that he was having some post-op complications and I saw that great big man break down and cry. He loved his family. I remember he said “Why couldn’t it be me? I wish I could be the one in pain. Not my son.” That’s how much he loved you. Never forget that. You didn’t get to keep him as long as you wanted...but you were so blessed to have had this man in your life for the time you did get. And I believe you will see him again. God speed you to heaven, Les. Prayers for peace and comfort to his family.

Smoke n Debbie Collier (Trenton, N.D.)
Jul 4, 2020

Our thoughts n prayers are with all of Les’s family. Les was a great guy with a big heart he will be missed by a lot of people. Til we meet again RIP Les

Roy and Kathy Trogstad (Williston, North Dakota)
Jul 4, 2020

Kathi and family, so sorry to hear that Les had passed away. He was a dedicated employee for many years to Williams County. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Joe Lee (Crosby)
Jul 4, 2020

RIP Les

Marilyn Archer (Mandan, Nd)
Jul 4, 2020

My sympathies to Kathy, family and friends of Les.

steve helstad (grand forks, ND)
Jul 4, 2020

Sorry to hear of Les's passing, he was a great friend, was in our class of 1966. He was a great guy n had many friends, he will be missed. RIP Les

Roni Gravgaard (Williston, ND)
Jul 4, 2020

Kathi - I'm so sorry to hear about Les. My sympathy to you and all of Les' family. Prayers for comfort at this difficult time.

Karen Quick (Roseville , Minnesota )
Jul 4, 2020

Kathi
So sorry for your loss of Les. Take care of yourself!

Jack Lindvig (Bismarck, ND)
Jul 4, 2020

Kathi, Carey, Heidi and Loretta and everyone else.
Les, what a Mensch! Over the last 40+ years we had a keen relationship, no matter how bad a day I was having, his attitude was: Blow it off, tomorrow is another day. And his smile melted you into following that train of thought.
Over the years, when we saw each other, my greeting was: "Hey, More or Less Benth"
His was "Get bent Jack" Always with a smile! and a hug.
A fond memory was a trip to the bike show in Minot in the 90"s; Les's paint jobs won 4 categories including his bike, Eldon's (2) bikes and Reed Kirby"s bike.
So RIP, Les and stand proud. hope to see you in the Great Beyond!

Beth M Innis (Williston, ND )
Jul 4, 2020

Oh Les u will be so missed by so many people. So will my own special Santa for the kids. They will never forget their uncle. Now u and Al can be together again. I will miss u so much my friend. I will be thinking of u kids I knew how much u loved ur dad. My prayers and thought are with Les family.

Dale Sundet (Williston , ND)
Jul 4, 2020

Heidi and Family

So sorry about Les. Always hard to lose a loved one. May God bless you all

Beth M Innis (Williston, ND )
Jul 4, 2020

Daryle Holte (Tioga, Nd)
Jul 5, 2020

Another really really nice guy gone too soon
My deepest sympathy to kathi and all his family

Kathleen and Drew Imes (Williston)
Jul 5, 2020

Les was one of a kind in the best way. We are sorry for your loss. He will live on in our memory, bigger than life. God bless you all.

Pat Buck (Williston, ND)
Jul 5, 2020

Kathi and family: So sorry to hear about Les's death. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Kelly and Tammy Booke (Williston, North Dakota)
Jul 5, 2020

I worked with Les at the county, he always came to work with a smile and when I needed help the a project he was always there when I asked. I have good memories of the two beer fellowship with Les and Eldon, then go home at Bill's. Rest In Peace

Joann A. Nelson (Tioga , ND)
Jul 5, 2020

Kathi: I’m so sorry to hear about your loss of Les. Sending my sympathy and prayers to you and all the family.

M. Allen Schultz (Williston, ND)
Jul 5, 2020

So long neighbor. See you around the bend when i get there.

Scott Key (Fort Collins, CO)
Jul 5, 2020

To all the extended Benth Family:

Les was an icon in the town. He sometimes seemed to have a gruff exterior but he was actually a good and kind man.

He loved music and was always supportive of the local musicians.

I will always remember his early 50s model Chevy in light gold-green tooling the streets at night.

He will be missed by all who knew him.

Rudy & Ann Hinojosa (Williston , Nd)
Jul 5, 2020

This Place will never be the same without you! That smile and always SO positive. R.I.P.
Sending prayers and condolences to Kathi along with the rest of the family.

Lynnette Reeves (Fargo , North Dakota )
Jul 5, 2020

I dont even know what to say here Les was my friend a guy who was just as honest and pure as they came . Les always had a smile on his face and kind words to say - he was nothing but kind - Kathi and family I know hearts are breaking but I will say this for sure you made some great memories with a man who cant ever be forgotten he was solid gold . I will say Les I'll see you someday and expect another bear hug - many great laughs with Les and I shall treasure the man I was lucky enough to call my friend !

Rhonda Woodhams (Williston, ND)
Jul 6, 2020

Rest easy Les! I will never forget working with you at County Highway! You were the only one who always remembered me with a small gift on secretary's day! You will be missed! My prayers and thoughts go out to your family!

Linda and Jim Irgens (Horseshoe Bay, Tx)
Jul 6, 2020

To all of Les’s family. We’re so sorry to hear of Les’s passing. We go way back to the 60’s. Les was a great friend and will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Linda and Jim

Kelly and Tammy Booke (Williston, ND)
Jul 6, 2020

Kathi!!!! This was stunning to hear - I am so very sorry. Just as you retired and had plans...life is so unpredictable! Prayers for you and your family. Thinking of you all.

LYLE JONES (SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE)
Jul 6, 2020

The memories you gave us - RIP Les

Lane & Christine Christensen (Williston, ND)
Jul 6, 2020

I just saw this today and my heart breaks! Les was one of our favorite people to see. He will very much be missed. Happy Riding in Heaven!! Sending tons of prayers to the family.

Kay and Greg Garaas (Grenora, ND)
Jul 6, 2020

Good man. Life well lived. Rest easy friend.

Candy & Jamie TeSoro (Williston, ND)
Jul 6, 2020

We have so many great memories of times spent with Les going back more than 50 years. We will miss you. Rest easy, old friend.

Justin ferrell (Williston, North dakota)
Jul 6, 2020

Rip old guy Sorry for your lose Hiedi and Carey always a friend

Therresa (Larsen) Christopherson (Williston)
Jul 7, 2020

Kathi and Families,
I am so sorry to hear of Les's passing. What a legacy to leave behind, so many great memories, friends and family. He spent his time here on earth, doing what he loved and having fun while doing it. He will be greatly missed. God Bless you and your family during this most difficult time. May God comfort you and give you peace.

Sonia Hegge (Moorhead, MN)
Jul 7, 2020

Les, you were a gentle giant, loved by many. Rest in peace my friend.

alisha rogness (Bozeman, MT)
Jul 7, 2020

I have such good memories of growing up and having Les be a part of our lives. Such a kind soul.

Doug Daniels (Williston)
Jul 7, 2020

Couldn't make the funeral but watched it on Facebook. So sorry for your loss. He will be surly missed.

Mike Hornstein (CO)
Jul 7, 2020

Rock on, old friend!

Morgan Benth (Grand Forks, ND)
Jul 7, 2020

You will be missed!

Mick & Debbie Soiseth (Spokane, WA)
Jul 7, 2020

So sad to hear of his passing. Les was a true long-time home town guy. Known and loved by many. A big guy with a heart of gold. He always came out and supported our bands through the years. Our condolences to his family and many friends who loved him.

Rebecca Volney (Williston , ND)
Jul 7, 2020

Rest In Peace Les. Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends.

D. Cody
Jul 8, 2020

I did not know Les personally, but he was obviously very well loved. I am so sorry for your loss. May the many happy memories you shared together bring you a measure of peace in the days ahead. A resource that can help is Jw.org where you can find much comfort. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

Ann Keyes (Williston )
Jul 8, 2020

Kathi,
I’m so sorry for your loss! My prayers are with you and your family.

Susan Granrud (Williston, ND)
Jul 8, 2020

Kathi & family so sorry to hear of the loss of Les. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Susan & Gaylord Granrud

Scott Key (Fort Collins, CO)
Jul 10, 2020

Sharon Johnson (Williston, ND)
Jul 10, 2020

Sorry for your loss right after you retired, Hang on to your memories of the good times you had. I will be thinking of you

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