Janette Ann Benzing, 83, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2022, following a short illness. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids.
Janette was born May 22, 1939, to Harvey and Margaret (Hughes) Hasenclever of Fort Madison, Iowa. She met the love of her life, Keith, on a fateful bus trip that neither of them had planned to be on. Living at opposite ends of the state, after five dates they were engaged. The couple then married three months later on August 23, 1958. They went on to enjoy 52 years together until Keith’s death in 2010. Janette stayed at home and raised four daughters while Keith worked hard. Janette loved to create. She was a great seamstress, sewing clothes for her growing girls. Janette also loved crafting for Christmas Bazaars and gifts. She was an avid baker, known for her cinnamon rolls, which she loved to share. Once her daughters left the nest, she passed her exams and became a realtor with Iowa Realty. She enjoyed her realty career immensely for 29 years. It was also important to Janette to be an active member of her church, Trinity-St. James Methodist.
Janette was so fortunate to have a life surrounded by so many close friends that she held so dear. You could always count on her to be there when she was needed. Her wonderful friends did the same for her, especially when she needed them most toward the end of her life. She loved to entertain and to gather family and friends for a card game or a good puzzle. Most of all, Janette loved her family, which was always her top priority. She will be so missed by her daughters who are blessed knowing that they couldn’t have had more wonderful, loving, and supportive parents.
Janette is survived by her daughters, Bebe Benzing, Tammy (Mike) Tatoian, Penny (Greg) Grove, and Shelley (Bob) Driscoll; grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan) Musson, Natasha (Brandon) Durk, Haley (Kaleb) Admire, Nick Tatoian, Zach Tatoian, Delaney Driscoll, Drew Driscoll, and Daryl Driscoll; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Alice Horstman, Virginia Bonar, and Marilyn Ort; brother, Robert (Mariellis) Hasenclever, all of Fort Madison; and numerous nieces and nephews, all whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Keith; parents; sister, Martha Mueller; brother, Frank Hasenclever; three sisters-in-law; five brothers-in-law; and her great-grandson, Matthew.
Memorial contributions can be made to Trinity-St. James Methodist Church, 1430 Ellis Blvd. NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52405.