Larry R. Benedict

Larry Ralph Benedict, 83, died peacefully on April 16, 2025 while surrounded by family. Larry was born October 13, 1941 in Des Moines, Iowa to Ralph Fredric and Pearl Margaret (Bostedt) Benedict. Larry enlisted in the Iowa Air National Guard in August of 1959 and was a 1960 graduate of Valley High School in West Des Moines, the “Real Valley High School” he would say. In May of 1976 he married Dianne Marie Tepley and then received a Bachelor’s degree from Drake University in 1981.

He was a proud assistant scoutmaster of the BSA troop 280 while his son Jon was a scout in the early 1990’s. He and his wife took their family on many camping trips all over the United States where countless memories were made that his children will carry with them forever. He was a devoted father whose greatest joy was watching his children grow into the people they were meant to be and providing him and his wife Dianne with grandchildren.

After 34 years of active military service, he retired as a Major in the Iowa Air National Guard in 1993. While in retirement Larry had a passion for uncovering his family's roots, dedicating many hours to researching genealogy and preserving the history for future generations. He was a member of the National Genealogical Society and enjoyed traveling to the annual conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne Marie Benedict (retired nurse); children, Jon Thomas (Shanna) Benedict and Jill Anne (Ryan) Popplewell; grandchildren, Dillon Thomas Benedict and Pearl Lynne Popplewell; dog, Hudson; and grand-dogs, Remi, Ripley and Clipper. Larry is preceded in death by his brother, Jon Franklyn Benedict (1938 – 2008) and his favorite dog, Ellie Anne.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Masonic Cemetery in Des Moines. The family asks that any memorial contributions be made to the Kavanagh House in Des Moines, IA in his memory.