Benjamin Atherton

Benjamin Atherton, 50, Berthold, ND, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center, Bismarck.

Benjamin James-Harding Atherton was born January 22, 1975, the son of Warren and Betty (Ziebarth) Atherton, in Minot. He was raised and educated in Minot.

Following his schooling, Ben worked various jobs, mainly in construction and farming. Farming was something he grew up doing with his grandpa. He had a talent for caring for horses and he developed a love hate relationship with cows. He started his own fencing company in 2012. Ben had a strong work ethic, instilled in him by his dad. He believed that the fun could happen once the work was complete.

Ben met Sharon Jabs in 2021 and he was quickly enamored. They enjoyed playing bingo together and working side by side for Ben's fencing business. Ben gained a stepson, Marshall, who he loved like his own. He enjoyed teaching him to shoot a gun and hunt. As a family they liked to go camping. Ben enjoyed escaping from the busyness of life, often camping at Nelson Carlson.

Ben will always be remembered for his love of socializing with his friends and his caring nature; he would help anyone in need. He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him.

His loving family includes: significant other, Sharon; stepson, Marshall; nieces, Ashley, Desirae, Josie, Cassandra, Katelynn; sisters, Emily (Jay Dietrick) Atherton, Mary Brown; and numerous great nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Bob and Lucille Ziebarth, Ben and Emilie Atherton; uncles, JR Ziebarth, Charles Atherton, Frank Atherton, Harold Atherton; aunts, Bertha Campbell, Mayme Wake.

Funeral: Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Interment: Wildrose Cemetery, Berthold, ND in the spring.

Visitation: Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.