TAMA- Wm. A. "Bill" Benda, age 98, of Tama, died Saturday, April 4, 2009 at his home under the care of Iowa Hospice following a short illness. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 10:30 AM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama. Interment will follow at National Cemetery in rural Vining. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 6 from 5-8 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.
Bill was born on April 27, 1910 in York Township, the son of Ben and Marie (Had) Benda. He attended rural schools. Bill served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was united in marriage to Gladys Hess in September of 1948, and she preceded him in death in 1972. Bill then married Mildred Walton in August of 1974, and she preceded him in death in January of 2001. Bill farmed, and later owned his own machine shop, Benda's Repair. He also helped out at Benda Ag in his later years. Bill enjoyed going out to eat at King Tower, visiting with family and friends, and going to the casino with his friend Lyle.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Gladys and Mildred; one sister, Lillian Upah; and three brothers, Louis, Joseph, and Fred Benda.
Survivors include a sister-in-law, Julia Benda of Elberon; many nieces and nephews; and a special friend Lyle Bischof of Amana.