Senator Kenneth Benda View All Years

Kenneth J. Benda

Kenneth J. Benda was born on November 9, 1918, in rural Brooklyn, Iowa, to James and Rose Posekany Benda. He passed away on September 30, 2007, at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife Lucille; his daughter Barbara Benda Jenkins of Amherst, Massachusetts; his son Jim Benda of Des Moines; and his granddaughter Eve Davey and great-granddaughter Althea Davey, both of Bozeman, Montana.

Benda was raised on the family farm and attended Jefferson Township Country School #4 near his home. He graduated from Hartwick High School in 1936. He received his bachelor’s of science degree in forestry from Iowa State University in 1940. He married Lucille Roudabush in Lancaster, Missouri, on July 5, 1941.

After graduation from Iowa State University, Benda worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority until December 1942. He then attended Columbia University where he became a naval officer. He served his country as a lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II, stationed on the U.S.S. Sangamon in the Pacific theater.

After World War II, Benda entered the banking field working at the Hartwick State Bank. He purchased a controlling share of the bank in 1954. He retired as bank president in 1991 and continued to serve on the Hartwick State Bank board of directors until his death. During his career in banking, he also served two terms as a state senator.

Benda was active in his community. He was on the local school board and the town council and was a member of the American Legion, Lions Club, Masons, and Poweshiek County Conservation Board. His accomplishments include serving as the Iowa department commander of the American Legion, Iowa Commerce Commission chairperson, and president of the Independent Bankers Association of America. He received many awards during his lifetime, but he was most proud of the plaque from Gamma Sigma Delta, the Honor Society of Agriculture at Iowa State University.

Benda was a Poweshiek County Republican. He was elected to the Iowa Senate in November 1962. He served during the 60th, 61st, 62nd, and 63rd General Assemblies.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF IOWA: That in the passing of the Honorable Kenneth J. Benda, the State has lost an honored citizen and faithful and useful public servant, and that the Senate by this resolution expresses its appreciation of his service to the State and tenders its sympathy and kindest regards to the members of his family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That a copy of this resolution be spread upon the Journal of the Senate and that the Secretary of the Senate be instructed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

TIM KAPUCIAN

PAUL McKINLEY

TOM RIELLY

Committee