Benzing, Keith Hollis

Keith Hollis Benzing, 85, of Cedar Rapids, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 19, 2010, after a short battle with cancer. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 22, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, 520 Wilson Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, with Pastor Bob Voels of Trinity United Methodist Church officiating. The family will greet friends from 2 to 5 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Keith is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janette; four daughters, Bebe Benzing of Cedar Rapids, Tammy Tatoian (Mike) of Middletown, Del., Penny Grove (Greg) of Waukee, Iowa, and Shelley Driscoll (Bob) of Knoxville, Tenn.; eight grandchildren, Ashley and Haley Grove, Natasha, Nick and Zach Tatoian, and Delaney, Drew and Daryl Driscoll; a sister, Betty Mackie (Donald) of New Holland, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Robert.

Keith was born in Centuria, Wis., on May 2, 1924, to Arthur and Alberta Benzing. The family moved to Northeast Iowa in 1931 where Keith grew up and worked on the farm until he moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1956, to work for Quaker Oats. He married Janette Hasenclever on Aug. 23, 1958, in Fort Madison, Iowa. In 1960, he began a career that he loved, working nearly 50 years as an insurance agent. Keith enjoyed serving his customers and building long-lasting relationships.

Keith was a devoted husband and father, whose family was his greatest joy. He was also a history buff, an ever-hopeful Chicago Cubs fan, and had a real passion for cars, owning over 50 in his lifetime. Keith was a kind and loving man who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

We would like to thank the wonderful staff of St. Luke's Hospice, especially his nurse, Erin, whose tender and loving care was a great comfort to Keith and his family during his illness. Our deepest gratitude also to the staff at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy for their care and compassion in Keith's final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 400 Third Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404; St Luke's Hospice, 290 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402; or the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233, in memory of Keith.

Please sign the online guest book for Keith at under obituaries.