Leonard Benda

CEDAR RAPIDS-Leonard Edward Benda, 87, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Living Center West in Cedar Rapids under the care of Mercy Hospice. Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 26, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Tama. Visitation will be held Monday, February 26, 2024 prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 AM at the funeral home.

Leonard was born on August 19, 1936, in Montour, Iowa, the son of Charles and Mary (Balvin) Benda.

He attended school in Montour, Iowa until eighth grade and graduated from Hollywood High School in Los Angeles, CA.

Leonard was a machinist with McDonnell-Douglas for over twenty-five years, working in the Los Angeles, California area. He came back to Iowa a few times a year to visit. He was always handy fixing things which included his rental properties. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cards, following sports and time with his family. When he came back to Iowa to live, he enjoyed going out to lunch with his niece, Linda, and nephews, Merlin and Ron. He also enjoyed visiting his surviving brother Ernie the past few years.

Survivors include his brother, Ernie (Diana) Benda of Davenport; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents; seven brothers, Adolph (Violet), Milo (Mildred), Ludwig (Alma), Emil (Inga), Vitus (Dorothy), Joseph (Marian), and Lester Benda; two sisters, Vera (Devon) Smith and Leota (Leo) Lamparek.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.