Larry A. Benson

Larry A. Benson, 84, of Shueyville, Iowa, died Tuesday, September 30, 2025, after bravely battling a year-long illness. The family will host a celebration of life from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2 at Local 125 Union Hall, 5001 J Street SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Lunch will be served.

Larry was born December 3, 1940, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Kenneth and Violet (Henecke) Benson. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1959 and served in the United States Navy from 1959-1963. In 1963, he married Judith Pacholl in Iona, Minnesota, staying by her side for 62 years. Larry worked as journeyman plumber for 35 years until retiring in 2001. In addition to plumbing and pipefitting, he was certified in welding. He was a proud union member of Local 125 Plumbers and Pipefitters, where he served terms on the apprentice board and as the president of the Local. He was a member of the American Legion Post 284 of Cass Lake, Minnesota.

In his younger days he was an avid bowhunter but in later years fishing took over as his main sporting interest. Larry took group fishing trips to Canada every summer and regularly fished with his buddies locally. He was quick to loan a tool, a piece of equipment, a helping hand, and his expertise to just about anyone. In 2008, he came out of retirement for several months to volunteer his time repairing the plumbing on many homes and buildings in the aftermath of the devastating floods in Cedar Rapids. When a snowfall came through, Larry would be up before dawn, plowing the streets and driveways of his rural neighborhood on his John Deere. He had a positive attitude and a hard-working nature, both of which he maintained until the end. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Benson; his daughters, Eve (Theo) VandenBroek of Pella, Iowa, and Misty Benson (John Keenan) of Alexandria, Virginia; his siblings, Ronald Benson, Dianne (Larry) Brannaman, Donald Benson, and Donna Benson, all of Cedar Rapids; Jean Hlavacek of Cedar Rapids; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Robert Benson and Richard Benson; and two nephews, Brett Benson and Jeff Benson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Local 125 Training Center Fund.