Clifford Floyd Benjamin

Clifford “Cliff” Floyd Benjamin, age 87, of Laporte, Minnesota, passed peacefully with his family by his side at Sanford Medical Center in Bemidji on March 11, 2026. Born on April 12, 1938, in Cass Lake, Minnesota, to Erma (Jennie) and Floyd Benjamin, Cliff graduated from Cass Lake High School in 1956. That same year he enlisted in the United States Navy Seabees, serving on active duty until 1960 and continuing in the Naval Reserves until 1962.

On January 12, 1963, Cliff married the love of his life, Carole. Together they built a life centered on family and hard work. A skilled and diligent man, he worked as a mechanic, logger, and salesman, retiring from O'Reilly Auto Parts in Cass Lake, where he was well known and respected by customers and coworkers alike. Cliff found joy in many pursuits. He loved attending gun shows, collecting firearms, hunting, fishing, camping, and tinkering with anything that needed fixing. He took special pride in his collection of lawn mowers, his garden and flowers, and baking homemade apple pies from apples he grew himself. He also enjoyed playing hand poker, garage sale hunting, and spending quiet time with his loyal dog, Ruger, and his favorite Western shows.

Cliff was preceded in death by his wife, Carole; sons, David and Robert; parents, Erma and Floyd; sisters, Sandra and Joyce; grandchildren, Travis, Roger, and Brandi; and son-in-law, Dave. He is survived by his sons, Tim Benjamin and Richard “Rich” (Terri) Benjamin; daughters, Elizabeth LeDoux, Dawn and Tracey Benjamin; sisters, Joan and Kathy; grandchildren, Alex (Denise), Nic (Missy), Brandon, Robbie, Ciarra (Kalvin Sr.), and Joseph; 16 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his many talents, and the simple joys he found in everyday life. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.