Brother Benet Tvedten, born Denis Tvedten in 1936, entered peacefully into eternal rest on March 17, 2026, at the Richardton Health Center, surrounded by his monastic brothers. Raised in Casselton, North Dakota, he first sensed a call to monastic life as a high-school student, inspired by reading The Seven Storey Mountain. His academic path eventually led him to St. John’s University, where he completed a B.A. in English in 1957 and first encountered the newly founded monastic community at Blue Cloud, an experience that would shape the rest of his life.
Entering Blue Cloud Abbey in 1958, he embraced community life with characteristic humility and humor—beginning with a memorable fall from a window ledge that redirected him to safer work in the Appeals Office. As Brother Benet, he professed vows in 1960 and spent the next five decades serving the monastery in numerous roles, including prior, novice master, editor of The Blue Cloud Quarterly, and director of oblates. A gifted writer and editor, he published widely, earning recognition from Native writers’ organizations as well as literary presses. His works, notably All Manner of Monks and How to Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job, touched the lives of readers far beyond the cloister.
When Blue Cloud Abbey closed in 2012, Brother Benet made his home at Assumption Abbey, returning, as he fondly said, to his beloved North Dakota. There he continued to serve generously as gift shop manager, newsletter editor, and a warm, welcoming presence for visitors. As his health declined, he moved to the Richardton Health Center in 2024, where he remained surrounded by the care and prayers of the monastic community. Brother Benet died on the feast of St. Patrick, strengthened by the sacraments and accompanied in faith by his brothers, concluding a long life marked by devotion, creativity, and joyful service.