Benjamin Watts

Minot

Benjamin “Ben” Watts, 19, Minot, passed away, May 23, 2026, in his home.

Benjamin “Ben” Jacob Watts was born August 11, 2006, son of Matthew Watts and Sarah (Lafontaine) Gallas, in Minot, ND. He was raised and educated in Minot attending Bel Air Elementary School, Erik Ramstad Middle School, and Minot High School.

Ben worked at Olive Garden where he was an excellent server and took great pride in his job. He was loved by his coworkers and customers. He was also employed at Creative Curbing doing concrete work.

Ben recently moved into his first apartment, which he was very proud of. He quickly made the apartment his home, filling it with plants, candles, and art on the walls.

Family was incredibly important to Ben. He was a great brother to his siblings. He had a unique bond with each of them. He was especially close and looked up to his brother, Christian.

Ben enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and coworkers. Whether that be staying active working out, golfing, playing basketball, frisbee golf, relaxing at the lake, camping or fishing. He had a love for food. He liked experiencing new restaurants and cooking new recipes and he was always up for trying new foods. Ben also liked collecting Pokémon and sports cards, playing casino games, listening to music, dancing and traveling. He loved to cheer on the Green Bay Packers and Memphis Grizzlies. Ben had recently begun attending church and Bible Study.

Ben had a huge heart and loved to care for those in need. He didn’t think twice about giving a ride to someone in need or giving someone money to buy themself a meal. He was headstrong and determined. When he was focused on something he was all in, he gave it his all and was dedicated.

Ben will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and compassion. He was a light in the world to everyone who knew him and he will be greatly missed. Fly High, Ben. You will never be forgotten.

His loving family includes: father, Matthew (Mickenzie) Watts; mother, Sarah (Edward) Gallas; brothers, Dominic Watts, Christian Watts, Jackson Gallas, Edward Gallas, and Czech Watts; sister, Alexa Gallas; great-grandma, Mary Ann Lafontaine; grandparents, James and Dona Watts, Darrell and Katherine Lafontaine, Robert Gallas and Barbara Greaves; aunts and uncles, Christopher Watts, Jonathan (Wendy) Watts; Nicole (Jason) Schnaible; John Lafontaine; Anthony (Mataya) Lafontaine; Lindsay O’Reilly; Samantha Gallas; cousins, McKenna, Harper, and Karliegh Watts, Caitlynn(Tyler) Johnson, Jaycee Schnaible, Maxwell Lafontaine, Olive, Luca, and Lennox Lafontaine, Oakley Johnson, Savannah and Sean O’Reilly, Tatum Heisler, Kayleigh Prime.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Theodore and Betty Schweyen, great-grandpa, Melvin Lafontaine; and great-aunt, Janet Preskey.

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:30 am at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Minot. Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Minot. Vigil Prayer Service: Friday at 6 p.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Minot. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Ben’s name. Funds will be used to support those in need, something close to Ben’s heart.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 28, 2026.