In the early morning of February 15th, Benjamin passed away due to his lung disease and pulmonary hypertension caused by scleroderma and complicated by COVID pneumonia. He was surrounded by family. Benjamin was 54 years old.
Benjamin was born in Yreka, CA on May 8th, 1966. He was the 6th child of Alberto and Stella Fletes. Bens life began in Siskiyou County, CA attending various elementary schools and graduating from Yreka High School in 1984. While growing up he enjoyed being a Cub Scout-Wolf, showing steers in 4H, playing in Little League baseball and basketball, hunting and shooting. In high school he worked at a grocery store. In 1988 Benjamin met Lisa while working at Gil’s Farm and Garden and that was the start of a lifelong friendship. In 1992 Benjamin moved to Barrow, Alaska and worked for the North Slope Borough as a garbage and sewer truck driver and then took a position as an incinerator operator at the landfill. He also worked part-time at Alaska Airlines as a baggage handler. Lisa moved to Barrow in 2000 and they married in 2001. While in Alaska they welcomed their daughters Talya and Olivia. While in Barrow, Benjamin enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, going caribou and bear hunting, the northern lights.
Every year they made trips to the east side of Montana to go antelope hunting with family. They would hunt in Zortman, Jordan, Circle areas. Benjamin decided when they left Alaska that they would move to Circle to raise their family. In 2008 they left Barrow and moved to Circle where they have been since. While in Circle Ben worked at the nursing home, DES, the liquor store, Town of Circle, then in the oil fields in Lambert and Watford City. He worked long and hard until his lung disease progressed, and he was unable to work full time. He then worked 2 days a week at the C-Store where he loved talking to and joking with his co-workers and customers.
Ben’s hobbies included hunting, shooting, reloading, archery, listening to music, and shooting hoops. Ben’s beloved pets included: His Stinky Dink Bear, Big Fluffy Koya, Little Rascal Lucy and Scooby his Scoober Doober, and Starburst. His favorite sports were Circles very own Bushwackers, Nascar, Steelers, Penguins, and the San Antonio Spurs.
Benjamin was a caring, loving, funny and hardworking man. He loved his family and friends. His daughters were his pride and joy! He was so proud of them and their hard work and accomplishments. He always made us laugh and smile. Benjamin you will always be my Sweet Sweet! I love you so much and will miss you! You are my best friend! You always would say “It’ll be fine you’ll see” and now we will find comfort in those words. We do have comfort in knowing you are no longer in pain and suffering and that you are in heaven with God, your mom and dad and Winnie, Terminator, and Elliot. I’m sure you are shooting, telling jokes, throwing darts, listening to music, having a beer and keeping heaven neat and organized! Heaven gained an awesome angel.
Ben is survived by his wife Lisa and daughters Talya and Olivia. Sister Maria Peters(Will) of Montague, CA. Brothers; Arthur, Henry, Albert and Jose of Yreka, CA. Mother-in-law and father-in-law Pat and John Holetz of Kalispell, MT, brother-in-law Mike Holetz of Kalispell, MT, brother-in law Steve Holetz(Julie) of Redmond, WA. Nieces and nephews; Bill, Michael, Sarah, Jared, Justin, Travis, Brook, Ally,Thad, Angie,and Jennifer. Great nieces; Ava, Jada, Kendra and Kylie. He was preceded in death by his father Alberto Fletes in 2012 and his mother Stella Fletes in 2014.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Circle. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the New Hope Lutheran Church in Circle. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Circle Rifle Club and McCone County 4H.
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday February 19, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 20, 2021
New Hope Lutheran Church
Circle, Montana 59215
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday February 19, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 20, 2021
New Hope Lutheran Church
Circle, Montana 59215
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Faye Good says
so sorry to hear of this, far too young to be gone, sincere condolences to all of you.
Terry Jackson says
So sorry to hear of Ben’s passing, he was a great guy that always had a smile on his face, we would laugh and joke at work, he will be so missed, sending prayers and hugs to his family and friends. Please don’t hesitate to call if you need anything..
Ken & Bonnie Nelson says
So very sorry for your family, prayers to you all and may Ben Rest I Peace.
Aaron & Jessica Bradley says
My deepest condolences to you all. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God bring peace to your hearts.
Ron and Kathy McFarland says
We are so very sorry. He was such a nice person. God be with you and your family during this very difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jay and Virginia Richardson says
We are sad for the loss of your husband/father. We rejoice in knowing that he is in the presence of our Heavenly Father! We pray for your continued healing and comfort .
Jackie Boysun says
Didn’t know Ben well but he was so a cheerful and helpful guy at the C Store. So sorry for your loss and pray that you find peace in your memories. Sincere condolences. Grant and Jackie Boysun
Georgia Trathen says
So sorry for Ben’s passing. He was a great guy. One of the first people I met when we moved to Circle.
MARIDEL KASSNER says
Ben will be missed!! He helped us out so much at the Lumberyard and liquor store when we needed him.
Always had time to sit down and have a chat when he seen us. Lyle and Ben loved to discuss guns
along with hunting stories. Lisa, know that you and your daughters have a very special place in our hearts!
Heaven sure has received another wonderful angel.
Kelly Doan says
Ben always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Beau and Cassie Bieri & Family says
Lisa and girls,
We are so sorry for your loss. Ben was an amazing man and co-worker. You are all in our prayers in the days to come.
Laura Wittenberg says
Lisa and girls.
I am so sorry for your loss. Know, that you are in my thoughts and prayers. God wrap His arms around you and
give you comfort.
Tom, Arlene, Daphne, and Claire Mueller says
Lisa, Tayla, and Olivia,
As you know, Ben and I were not only best friends but co workers for many years in Barrow. It was so wonderful when you came and started a family with him, and our kids grew up together! We really missed all of you when you moved to Montana!
I’m so glad that we were able to come visit you. The times I went hunting with Ben were so enjoyable and I’ll treasure those times for ever.
I’m glad he’s no longer suffering, and you will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Henry Fletes says
Although Benjamin was my youngest brother he taught me so much. I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. His smile and laughter were infectious. I regret that I won’t have more opportnities to sit and talk with him. I look forward to the day when we meet again. Lisa you and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers.
Janet Beery says
What a beautiful, touching, and heartwarming tribute to a kind man. Am thinking of you Lisa and your girls. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Greg Berger says
Lisa, Talya, Olivia, and family,
My sincerest heartfelt condolences go out to each and every one of you. I didn’t know Ben that well except from being a customer at the C-Store or running into him at the post office or around town. We seemed to hit it off at the git go as I have this NASCAR Talledega hat that I wear and he asked if I had ever been there. I told him yes and the year was 2010…although I never have been there during a race. He noticed I had some STEELER head rests and things on my pickup and we talked football also. He told me the story of his 7-08 mm plate on his pickup one day and to be honest, I can’t remember it. I’d love to hear it again if you all know it. I haven’t met a person here that has anything bad to say about his man. He ALWAYS had a smile and a kind word and even a good sense of humor most days. It seemed he knew when to crack a remark to make someone smile. I wish I’d gotten to know him better to be honest. Please lean on this community during this difficult time as we are all here for you guys. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with things. Heaven gained another one too early but God has a plan for all of us, sometimes it’s just hard to understand why and what it is. Once again, my heartfelt condolences go out to you all.
Larry Bruce says
Words are inadequate to convey our sympathy and prayers in the loss of your beloved Ben. Our Circle community was the lucky winner when the Fletes family made the decision to make Circle their home. Kind, caring and loving people are always ones to treasure. Thank you Ben and family for being Circle’s treasure. God bless.
Ross Hall says
Very nice gentleman from a very nice family. Please, all of you take care and find strength in family, friends, and community
Ryan K. Ruddy says
Lisa and Family,
I was saddened to hear of Ben’s passing. I was the Coca-Cola salesman for Circle for a little while, and Ben was always the first one to greet me at the door when I went to the C-Store. He was always polite, had a smile on his face, and would always crack a joke or two. He will be missed by so many people!
Don Jr. says
Ben and my dad were good friends during my childhood before he moved to Alaska. One of my favorite people to be around as a kid because everything all of these wonderful people saying is true. Ben was an awesome guy, I ask his nephews every time I see them how he is doing. It is an honor to have been able to call him friend, even if I was just a little kid the last time he saw me roughly 26 years ago. We spent many hours with Ben and and his good friend Bob, shooting was a frequent activity. RIP Benji
Carol and Gene Markuson says
So sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. He always had such a positive attitude. His family was the love of his life. God Bless you all.
Don Banhart says
Ben was a special kind of friend. I spent a lot of time with Ben, drinking beers listening to music. Talking about Old Chevys. He even had several that were beauties. We spent a lot of time shooting and just bs ing. He turned me on to Joe Satriani , him and Bob and I went to see him back in 91. Had a great time. God speed little brother. I’ll miss your laugh and your way of telling a joke. You made this world a better place. Till we meet again old friend. God bless you and your family. Our prayers are with you all.
Darci Wagner and family says
Lisa, Talya, Olivia,
It is difficult to adequately express what your family means to me and to this community. Ben was cherished wherever he went. Someone was always sorry when he changed jobs while someone else was very grateful he did. Each of you individually has touched this community in a positive way and we are all better because the Fletes family chose to call Circle home. Thank you. We all mourn with you and smile as stories of Ben are remembered again.
Marista HEIDE says
Lisa and girls,
So very sorry to hear of Bens passing. He was a very nice guy to visit with. Please let us know if Aron and I can do anything. Cook a hot dish, anything. Hugs and prayers.
Rest in Peace Ben, you are missed!
Shirley Heitz says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mindy Nelson says
I wasn’t familiar with Ben well, but your entire family has been a Gift to this town! Thinking of you ladies at this time!
Leah Pointer says
Benji was one of my favorite people in high school. An all around good guy…always joking around and laughing with a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. I’m so sad to hear of his passing but it sure sounds like he lived a lot of life in his years. Condolences to his wife, girls and others that knew and loved him. Heaven has surely gained an angel. ❤
Michelle says
I’m sorry to hear of Benjis passing. I remember him to be a kind and loving guy. My heart goes out to the family.
Bob Cozine says
Benjamin my brother, I have never met a better man. Thank you to the Fletes family that allowed me to be part of you because of our friendship. No matter how many miles separated us Ben was always by my side. Laughter and good music was the path Ben blazed and we are all better for it. We can’t go shooting anymore but Ben you will always be with me. My prayers go out to Lisa and all of the family.
Linda Willems says
Just as many others have said, Benji was always the nice guy in school. My heart goes out to his wife and family. He was so young to leave so soon💔
Karen and Dennis Wolff says
Dear Lisa, Talya, and Olivia,
We remember well when your family came to Circle to make it your home. We noted the enthusiasm and excitement for a new adventure. Circle was blessed to have your family settle in and grow with us. We will miss Ben who always greeted others pleasantly, smiling as he worked any of several jobs he held over the years. It is very sad that he is gone. We wish you strength and peace as you go forward. God’s blessings.
Brian Petersen says
Sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. Met Ben in high school where we became friends. Lost track of him when he left for Alaska. Glad to see he followed his dreams, met the love of his life and had a beautiful family. You were too young to leave us but we will meet again to camp by beautiful creeks and share stories. Prayers for his family.
Karen Martinez-Simas says
Ben was such a sweet guy. I believe I first met him while attending catechism at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Yreka. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to all of the Fletes family. Heaven received a wonderful gift.
Jim Laurich says
So very sorry to get this news this past weekend. Spent many days at school, playing baseball and basketball joking around just being kids. Like so many people from our youth we kind of lost touch, but out of blue he called me about six years ago and we had a long conversation catching up on our life and families lives. I am very grateful for that call. As stated just a very nice man and my condolence to his family and friends.
Elizabeth winslow says
I had no idea and I’m so sorry for such a belated sentiment. Benji had a smile, always….and I remember that, hadn’t seen him except maybe once since high school. It’s amazing and wonderful to see how well he was loved by his family. The loss must have been so heart wrenching. It’s lovely to see what a beautiful family he has. RIP benji! Much love to his wife and kids and other family. 😔