Peter Benais

Peter Benais, age 71, passed away on July 28, 2026 in Red Lake, MN.

Peter was born on June 6, 1955 to Albert and Josephine (Akawenzie) Benais Sr in Red Lake, MN. Peter worked in Forestry until a back injury in 1993. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife, berry picking, bird watching and animal life. He loved doing arts and crafts with birch bark and pipestone. He liked playing guitar, going to the casino, eating out and trying new foods (calamari) and going for rides. He loved spending time with family and friends and with his pets, Cornbread and Smokey.  Peter was always happy and funny with a positive attitude. He was “resilient.”

Peter is survived by his children Leland Smith Sr, Nathan Smith and Sarah Pritchard; grandchildren Leland Smith Jr, Alissa Smith, Mylee Smith, Tylee Smith, Amelia Smith, James Smith Jr, Leslie Smith, Jaelynn Smith, Amirah Smith, Carrie-Ann Heinonen Smith, Gabriella Pritchard, Kairo Pritchard and Abigail May; sisters Jean Benais, Karen Benais and Shirley Barrett; sons Leland Smith Sr and Nathan Smith; and daughter Sarah Smith Pritchard.

He is preceded in death by his son James Smith Sr; parents Albert and Josephine Benais Sr; brothers Albert Benais Jr and Bobby Benais; sister Mary Benais; and his special friend Vicky Smith.

A wake will begin at 1 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the New Little Rock Community Center and will continue until the service at 3 PM on Monday, August 3, 2026 with Father Joseph Kennady. Active Pallbearers will be Luke Lajeunesse, Giles Strong, Terry Benais, Gary Lafountaine, Brighton Sumner, Allan Lajeunesse Jr.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Randy Benais, Jean Benais, Karen Lajeunesse, Shirley Barrett, Nora Parkhurst, Holly May.  Burial will be at St Mary’s Cemetery in Red Lake, MN. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.

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