Benda, Joseph D.

Joseph D. Benda, 82, longtime resident of the Iowa City/Cedar Bluff areas, died Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012, at Lantern Park Nursing and Rehab Center in Coralville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 27, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Iowa City, with the Very Rev. Rudy Juarez officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City.

Joseph Dominick Benda was born Sept. 2, 1929, at Cedar Bluffs, Iowa, the son of Raymond and Mary (Suchomel) Benda. He attended school in Tipton, graduating with the class of 1947 from Tipton High School. He went on to the University of Iowa attending four years in the business college. He worked as an accountant/bookkeeper for a number of area businesses over the years, including Hippe Oil, Iowa Book and Supply, and J.M. Swank Co.

He had been a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, presently a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church; truly enjoyed his long membership in the Noon Optimist Club, often traveling to meetings within and outside the state of Iowa. He loved watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, having attended their bowl games over the years; was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Bears! Joe was known to play blackjack a bit, he was one who never saw a casino that he didn't want to go in, and truly loved playing cards with family and friends.

He liked to travel, having traveled to most of the continental United States, with a couple of favorite cities along the way, Las Vegas to mention one! Joe love to eat, especially with family and friends, and many have received birthday and anniversary cards from Joe because he would remember those special days with a special card.

Having never married, Joe was that special uncle to many. His family includes a niece, Mary Kay Vincent-Samet (Larry) of Sheboygan, Wis.; nephew, Bill Vincent (Jeri) of Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law, Jane Benda of Iowa City; great-nieces, Lauren Tschida (Ashton) and Leah Samet; great-nephews, Jay Vincent (Az), and Mitchell Vincent; and his great-great-niece, Moriah Vincent.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Benda; sister, Dorothy Vincent-Samuelson; and a great nephew, Joel Samet.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Joe's memory.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Published Aug. 25, 2012 in The Gazette