Marc Ray Benoit

Marc Ray Benoit, 79, of Walhalla, ND, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital in Cavalier, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services.

Marc was born August 8, 1946, in Langdon, ND, to Eugene and Germaine (Marcotte) Benoit. He grew up on the family farm in North Olga Township in the Walhalla Hills, where he learned the value of hard work and developed his lifelong love for farming, ranching, and the outdoors. He attended the one room country school until the 8th grade and graduated from Walhalla High School in 1964.

From an early age, Marc was a true cowboy. He spent countless hours riding horses across the hills and herding cattle alongside his family. Marc found peace in the rhythm of farm and ranch life. It wasn’t just a way of making a living for him — it was part of who he was and the wide-open North Dakota skies were woven into his soul.

After proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Marc returned home to North Dakota — and that’s where fate stepped in. A cousin introduced him to the love of his life, Shirley Gagne, and the two married on August 22nd, 1970 in St. Pierre, MB. Together they shared 55 years filled with faith, laughter, and love.

Marc farmed and ran Benoit Brothers Trucking alongside his brother Dean, worked for Mayo/Flickertail Construction before joining the U.S. Postal Service in 1997. He truly enjoyed his years as a mail carrier — driving the backroads of the area where he grew up, always with a friendly wave and a story to share. He retired in 2013 but continued to stay busy and connected to the land.

Known for his easy laugh, quiet nature, and kind heart, Marc was a man of few words but deep thoughts — someone others were naturally drawn to. His steady presence, hard work, and love for simple things defined his life. He enjoyed time outdoors, working with cattle, camping trips in the old bus, weekends at the family’s cabin, and sharing stories over a cold Bud Light. Whether around the table or working side by side, his most cherished moments were spent with family.

Marc is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; children, Marcus Benoit of Thompson, ND, and Lisa (Shane) Heck of Cavalier, ND; grandchildren, Laura, Ryan (Kaylie), Michael, Shana (Kyle), Steven (Selena), Seth, Shania, and Samuel; and great-grandchildren, Stella, Levi, Silas, Kiara, Asher, Keaton and Isabelle. He is also survived by his siblings, Dean (Lynn) Benoit and Nicole (Rod) Longtin, all of Walhalla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Germaine, and his daughter-in-law, Amy Benoit.

His work here is done, and he rides on to greener pastures.We take comfort in knowing he is at peace in the presence of the Lord.