Doralyn Benson

DORALYN BENSON

Cedar Rapids

"So come return to the root of your own soul." – Rumi

Doralyn Benson, 66, of Cedar Rapids, left the physical plane on June 7, 2017.

Doralyn grew up in the small, north-central town of Corwith, Iowa. She did her undergraduate work at Iowa State University and completed her Master's of Social Work at the University of Iowa, where she met her husband, Ken. They married in 1979 and resided in Cedar Rapids. Doralyn spent 34 years as a social worker at St. Luke's Hospital, finishing her career as social work manager. During her career, she was very active in women's issues, particularly surrounding domestic violence.

Doralyn was a seeker, and retirement gave her time to pursue her passions and give back to the community. This included exploring spirituality and completing a Spiritual Director Formation program so she could accompany others on their journey. She also offered mind/body skills courses through local organizations and enjoyed being the vice president of the Ladies Literary Club.

Doralyn and Ken loved being active together. They were avid bikers and when they weren't seen on their bikes near their home at Water Tower Place, it was usually because they were traveling. Family and friends looked forward to stories and pictures of them riding all over the world, most recently from South Africa.

Doralyn was a devoted wife, mother and friend, who touched the lives of all she met with her kindness, generosity, compassion, energy and sense of adventure. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Doralyn was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Jane DeGroote; and her older brother, Dennis DeGroote.

She will be carried with love and gratitude in the hearts of her family: her husband, Ken Benson; daughter, Julia Benson; granddaughter, Antwaneisha; son, Jess Benson (Natalie); and a much anticipated grandchild due to arrive this summer. She also will be remembered by her siblings, Debbie (Don) Lerdal, Donnelle (Danny) Janssen and David (Joyce) DeGroote; in-laws, Beverly (Jerry) Mooney, Donna (Mick) Coyle, Jean (Mike) Treloar and Dean Benson; as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, who were a delight to her soul.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 11, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center at 7 p.m. June 15. Please bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs for an outdoor gathering.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Prairewoods for the development of a new garden project and space where a memorial for Doralyn will eventually be placed.

Memories and condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.