Jamie Almer, a dedicated professional and beloved family figure known affectionately as “BENO,” passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. He departed this life with his Uncle Barry by his side, a man who had remained a constant and special presence in Almer’s life since his early childhood.
A man of stark honesty and deep loyalty, Almer leaves behind a legacy defined by his unwavering commitment to his work and an enduring bond with his extended family in North Dakota. His passing marks the loss of a personality described by those closest to him as a blend of stubbornness, humor and a “heart of gold.”
The Jamie Almer Obituary May 6, 2026, reflects a life lived on his own terms—one where love was expressed through action and integrity was non-negotiable. From his birth during a North Dakota blizzard to his years of service in the industrial sector, Almer remained a fixture of authenticity in his community.
Professional Dedication at Bobcat Company
For more than 14 years, Almer was a staple of the workforce at Bobcat Company, where he built a reputation for reliability and a rigorous adherence to workplace standards. During his tenure, he was the recipient of multiple safety and integrity awards, reflecting a professional discipline that mirrored his personal values.
Colleagues remember Almer as a worker who quietly absorbed the burdens of the team, often picking up the slack without complaint. However, his kindness was paired with a candid nature; he was known throughout the facility for his willingness to speak his mind and provide honest, unfiltered feedback to those around him.
This combination of hard work and transparency earned him the respect of his peers. He took immense pride not only in the quality of his output but in the success and well-being of the people he worked alongside daily.
A Life of Contrast and Character
Born on April 11, 1975, in Bismarck, North Dakota, Almer’s arrival was marked by the intensity of a blizzard. This dramatic entrance seemed to set the stage for a life characterized by a strong, sometimes stubborn, will. A 1993 graduate of South Central High School, he navigated his youth with the same spirited energy that would later define his adulthood.
To those who knew him as “BENO,” Almer was a man of contradictions: occasionally grumpy, yet fundamentally kind; stubborn in his convictions, yet fiercely protective of his loved ones. This complexity made him a unique presence in the lives of his nieces and nephews, with whom he shared an exceptionally close bond.
Among his more eclectic passions was a curated collection of dragons, a hobby that sparked joy and curiosity in the younger members of his family. His great-nephew, Lane, particularly admired the collection, seeing it as a reflection of the imaginative and unique spirit Jamie possessed.
Family Ties and Final Arrangements
Almer was part of a tight-knit family structure that provided him with strength throughout his life. He is survived by his mother, Linda Almer, and his sister, Jennie Hettich and her husband, Damon. His family circle extended to bonus sisters Cheryl Tucker (Dan) and Nikki Schneider (Rob), as well as his longtime brother-in-law, Jeremy Birdsell.
His legacy continues through his niece, Shayla Kauffman (Jordan), and his nephew, Layton Birdsell (Katrina), as well as his great-nephew, Lane, and great-nieces, Harlee and Ada. He also leaves behind a wide network of aunts, uncles, and cousins who viewed him as a cornerstone of their close-knit family unit.
He was preceded in death by several close relatives, including his father, Dale Almer; his grandparents, Johnie and Regina Bender and Willis and Jennie Almer; his aunts, Roxann Giles and Tootie Bender; and his uncle, Dennis Bender.
The family has organized a memorial service to honor his life and memory:
| Event | Location | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial Service | Legacy Methodist Church, Bismarck | Friday, May 22, 11:00 AM |
| Guest Reception | Legacy Methodist Church, Bismarck | Friday, May 22, 10:00 AM |
| Interment | Wurm’s Cemetery | Following Service |
The family expressed comfort in the belief that Almer has joined his father and grandparents as a guardian angel, having “fought a good fight” during his time on earth.
The community is invited to gather at Legacy Methodist Church to share stories of a man who lived honestly and loved deeply. His memory is expected to live on through the laughter, the stories, and the dragon collection he so proudly maintained.
The next scheduled action for the family will be the memorial service on May 22, where final tributes will be paid before he is laid to rest at Wurm’s Cemetery.
We invite readers to share their memories of Jamie “BENO” Almer in the comments below or share this article with those who knew him.
