Memorial
Stephen “Steve” Kenneth Benz, 82, of Tucson, Arizona (formerly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa) passed away March 1, 2022. A visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home on Saturday, August 6, 2022 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM.
Steve was born November 23, 1939, to Kenneth and Jean (Wagner) Benz in Beardstown, Illinois. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patricia “Patricia Roberts” Benz, and two sons: Michael Brett Benz of Sacramento, CA and Stephen Kurtis Benz of San Diego, CA; two grandchildren, Brett and Lexi; three sisters, Terry Schlossberg, Kathy (Jay) Baum, and Penny (Bob) Tvrdik.
The Benz family moved to Cedar Rapids and in 1956 Steve’s parents opened the Town & Country Bowl. After graduating from Simpson College in 1962, Steve joined his parents in the family business. In 1976, he and his mother, Jean, built the Cedar Rapids Bowling Center on Blairs Ferry Road. He opened the sand volleyball facility, Volley’s, adjoining the Bowling Center in 1990.
Steve served as president of the Iowa State Bowling Proprietors Association in 1983-84. In 1998, he was inducted into the Cedar Rapids Bowling Hall of Fame, joining his father, Ken, who had been inducted in 1980.
Steve was a long-time contributor to the University of Iowa Athletic Department. Steve and Pat enjoyed golf and as members of Elmcrest Country Club they worked with PGA Junior Golf events. They also coordinated volunteers for the Zach Johnson Foundation Classic from 2011 through 2016.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests any memorial contributions be made to the Zach Johnson Foundation (PO Box 2336, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406) or a charity of your choice.