Obituary for VITUS JOE BENDA

Vitus was born to Charles and Mary Benda on July 25, 1930 in Clutier, Iowa, later moving to Toledo, Iowa. Vitus grew up with ten siblings working hard on the family farm. Farming back then was not easy work, but taught them good work ethics. Vitus being a hard worker and wanting more joined the Air Force in 1951. He proudly served in the Korean and Vietnam wars, retiring with an Honorable discharge in 1971. Upon his retirement from the Air Force Vitus went on to work 15 more years for the US Postal Service, retiring at the age of 55, because he could. We should all be so lucky.

During his 20 years with the Air Force Vitus was able to travel to Germany and throughout the United States meeting his future wife, Dorothy Cook, marrying in a small ceremony in 1953 and celebrated 46 years before her passing in 1999. Vitus continued to be an active and proud lifetime member of the Highland Park American Legion Post 374, serving as treasurer for many years, and volunteering at the weekly BINGO nights. During his retirement years Vitus spent numerous hours volunteering at the VA Hospital, still making time to go bowling, play golf, and play cards at the Legion and Senior Center.

Vitus is survived by his sons, Doug (Terri) and Randy (Denise) Benda of Des Moines, Iowa; daughters, Vicki (Russ) Madison of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, and Cindy (Richard) Major of Granger, Iowa; seven grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, Lenard Benda of Long Beach, California, and Ernie (Diane) Benda of Davenport, Iowa. Preceding Vitus in death are his parents; wife, Dorothy; brothers, Emil, Adolph, Milo, Ludwig, Lester, Joseph; and sisters, Vera Smith and Leota Lamparke.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 4, 2021 from 9:30am - 11:30am, followed by a funeral service at 11:30am at Iles Grandview Park Funeral Home 3211 Hubbell, Des Moines, Iowa. Burial will be at Highland Park Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers Vitus requested memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 374 or Hospice of Central Iowa.

ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES ~ GRANDVIEW PARK CHAPEL.