Lindo Jr., Benjamin D. 'Kuya'

Benjamin D. “Kuya” Lindo Jr. of 6816 Boxwood Lane NE had an overwhelming sense of pride and joy for his great friends and beloved family. His charismatic personality gave way to one of the best smiles and laughter this world ever saw. On Aug. 6, 2013, at age 55, Ben passed away at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City following a massive heart attack. Services: 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9.

Benjamin “Kuya” Lindo was such a loving and energetic person - he was very persistent and always tried to view life in a positive light. He enjoyed humor; he could turn just about any situation into a joke or tease. Ben had a passion for the arts. He loved to paint, cook, sing and watch sports (his favorite: the Hawkeyes). He was a former high school champion wrestler, running from Cedar Rapids to Cedar Falls to make weight and won the Invitational Tournament.

Benjamin was born Aug. 19, 1957, in Manila, Philippines, to the late Benjamin C. Lindo Sr. and Beatriz D. Lindo.

Benjamin has two siblings, Noel Lindo and Dorcas Sather and their spouses, Cindy (sister-in-law) and Chris (brother-in-law).

He graduated from Kennedy High School in 1976 and further studied at Kirkwood Community College and the University of Iowa. Ben worked in Cedar Rapids at Nexteraenergy DAEC (Duane Arnold Energy Center) for 30 years. Ben was a nuclear chemist; he had a strong work ethic - he was dedicated to his job. He enjoyed his co-workers and hardly ever missed a day of work.

Ben had seven children with Deanna. He is survived by his kids: his daughter, Tasha Strand, and her spouse, Matt; his daughter, Fahlin Lindo, and her spouse, Josh Ellison; his daughter, Ashley Lindo; his son, Zachary Lindo; his son, Taylor Lindo; his son, Jesse Lindo; and his daughter, McKenzie Lindo. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Evan and Paxton Strand, Kascity, Keydin and Kaydince Ellison, Paige Lindo-Peterson, Naomi Lindo-Strand and Kinnick Lindo-Cluff and Victoria Lopez. He is further survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews here in the United States and the Philippines. He was extremely close to his extended family and his very best friend, Tim O'Neil. (Ben also will be greatly missed by his dog, Mondo.)

Ben is best remembered for his friendly spirit - he was “the nicest guy ever.” He was faithful to God and loved Psalm 23. Moreover, he will be always thought of as a family man who had seven kids (which he referred to as his “tribe”). He loved golf, swim, karaoke, play guitar, workout, and go dining and shopping with close friends and family. He always made sure to have a memorable yearly vacation with his children and grandchildren; he liked spending “quality time.” Everything that anyone remembers about Ben always comes back to his smile. At times, if he was in an extra good mood, he might give you a pinch on the cheek of your face ... and always he would grin.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Please leave a message or tribute to the Lindo family on the Web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published Aug. 8, 2013 in The Gazette