Memorial

Jared David Benson of Cedar Rapids, “Uncle” to those closest to him, passed away February 13, 2020, at the age of 46.

Jared loved being with his family; playing (and reading every book about) chess; cooking extravagant meals and drinking great wine; debating politics and the Constitution with anyone who would listen (willingly or not); verbally sparring with his sister Lindsay and nephews Denzell and Darian; and reciting movie quotes (but not in an overly annoying way — just slightly so).  He appreciated honesty, sarcasm, and liberal use of inappropriate language.  

Jared was a graduate of Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids and obtained a degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. After spending nearly two decades in the hospitality industry, he spent the last five years working for Go Daddy. 

An avid golfer (and occasional club thrower), Jared was a fixture at the Anderson Invitational, the annual golf tournament hosted by his mother, Becky Anderson, and his stepfather, Norm Anderson.  He later stood by Norm and Becky during their battles against cancer, moving from Texas to Cedar Rapids to be near his family. Jared was also preceded in death by his father, Dave Benson, and everyone’s favorite goldendoodle, Hinkel. 

Jared is survived by his sister Lindsay Worthy; nephews Denzell Hayes and Darian Thompson; stepbrothers Brent and Brian Anderson and their families; grandmother Maran Benson; stepmother Pam Benson; and all his loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

A visitation for Jared will be held from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, February 21st, at Cedar Memorial. The funeral service will be 11:00am on Saturday, February 22nd, at Cedar Memorial. There will be a reception immediately following the funeral at Shores Event Center, 700 16th Street NE. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Damon Runyon Cancer 
Research Foundation.