Curtis Lyle Benjamin, 87, Minot formerly of Bantry died on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 in a Minot hospital.

Curtis was born on April 1, 1930 on a farm near Bantry, ND to Albert and Lola (Michaels) Benjamin. He was raised on a farm near Bantry and educated in Upham. Curtis enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 20, 1948. He served aboard the USS Manchester and received the U.N Medal, China Service Medal, Navy Occupation Medal and Korean Service Medal prior to his honorable discharge on February 6, 1952. Following his discharge he returned to Minot where he was employed at Eat-More Sausage and Russell Miller Milling Company.

Curtis married Mary Ann Nickelson on December 4, 1949 at Zion Lutheran Church in Minot. They made their home in Minot where Curtis was employed as a furniture mover and truck driver by various movers including Timm's Moving and Storage, Bud's Moving and Storage, Midwest Transfer and Kedney Moving. Also, he was employed by Atlas Ready Mix for a time when the Minot Air Force Base runways were being constructed. He retired in 2005. Mary Ann died on December 29, 2008. Curtis had continued to reside in Minot most recently at Minot Health and Rehab and with his son Ken.

Curtis was a former member of the Moose Lodge and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed hunting especially upland game hunting in the Bantry area and fishing. He was a master angler because he caught a 12.75 pound walleye at Tobin Lake in Saskatchewan. He enjoyed gardening and was the designated plant waterer at Minot Health and Rehab during his stay there. Also, he was always ready for a game of pinochle and was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins.

Curtis' loving family includes his children: Douglas (Kathleen) Benjamin of Minot, Kenneth (Gail) Benjamin of Minot, Ruby (Roger) Grilley of Great Falls MT, Melvin (Cynthia) Benjamin of Crosby, Steven (Michelle) Benjamin of Turtle Lake, Charles Benjamin of Bismarck and James Benjamin of Minot; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren;; six great great grandchildren; sister: Loretta (Henry) Vannett of Bismarck and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 59 years Mary Ann, daughter: Deborah, sisters: Lucille Searcy, Margaret Hornstein and Gladys "Babe" Iverson and brothers: Leo and Robert.

Celebration of the Life of Curtis Benjamin: Monday, August 28, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in Vincent United Methodist Church - Minot.

Interment with Military Honors will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Visitation: Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.