Justin Wayne Waters, 42, of Grand Forks, North Dakota gained his angel wings on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Altru Hospital with his loving family by his side.

Justin was born February 8, 1982 in Cavalier, North Dakota the son of the late Lyle Waters, Jr. and Leann Lafferty. He grew up in Walhalla and at a young age proved he had an adventurous spirit with many mischievous outings with his brothers, cousins and uncles. He never wanted to be left behind and miss the fun. He took off on two wheels at the age of two to run with the big boys and lived life full throttle from then on.

He grew up mostly with his Grandparents which is where the brotherly bond began with his Uncle Tim. Grandma Jeannette always made sure Justin was well fed, and started his mornings with his perfectly fried eggs. He spent many hours with his grandpa Larry working on cars, learning to fix things and working with his hands. He could see something done once and know how to do it with ease. These all proved to be lifelong skills. Times spent with his dad and uncle Bob created his passion for the outdoors.

At age 16 he began doing iron work for Symington Construction in Wisconsin. He returned to North Dakota and lived in Grand Forks, beginning his career with Ag Depot in 2002. He had a great work ethic and it was evident  in everything he did. This included driving beet truck for many harvests to ensure his family was well taken care of.

The start of his greatest love story began with a chance encounter in 2006, when he met the love of his life, Kara Anderson. Little did he know he'd not only fall in love with Kara, but with little "big Son" Isaiah; who grew to know him as dad. This was the start of him having the title he was most proud of. The love he found did not stop at big son as he gained another mom and dad, Barb & Larry. From the start, he epitomized pesty big brother to his sisters Naomi & Nicole who he loved to tease and joke with. Their unspoken bond and his instant connection to his brothers in law, Pete & Matt; was a testament to the truly loving, family orientated man Justin was. To know him was to love him and this extended to the many friends who became instant family to him.

A short while later along came Lucas and Savannah. In raising his kids, Justin enjoyed spending time instilling in them adventures that included hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors. He also passed along his adventurous spirit to da-nieces and da-nephews; who he loved with the same ferocity of his own children. Together the family enjoyed creating many lasting memories at the Dam camper. He was the ultimate girl dad and his babies were his heart. He taught his boys to be family oriented and they picked up his love of gaming. It broke his heart to leave them but we know he will always be by their side.

And as Justin said to his kids every night: "All worlds, forever and ever, no matter what."

He is survived by his wife Kara, sons Isaiah & Lucas, and daughter Savannah. Grandma Jeannette Lafferty, Brothers, Brent (April) Waters, Kyle (Alexa) Lajimodiere, Tim (Robyn) Lafferty and sister April (Jeremy) Weismiller. Father In Law Larry Anderson; Mother In law, Barb Anderson; Sisters in law Naomi (Pete) Wyman, Nicole (Matt) Hinze; God daughter Courtney Frieson, God sons Trey & Jaxon Wyman; many beloved Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, Nephews & Nieces, and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his dad Lyle Waters, Jr., Grandpa & Grandma Waters, Grandpa Lafferty, Uncle Bob & Uncle Lance.

Funeral Liturgy: 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 13, 2024, in St. Michael's Catholic Church in Grand Forks, N.D.
Visitation: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 12, 2024, with a 4:00 p.m. Vigil Service in the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Monday.
Interment: Calvary South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND