Barry Benson

Barry K. Benson, 82, died Saturday, January 25th, 2025 from complications of Parkinson’s disease and dementia at Ramsey Village in Des Moines, Iowa. 

A visitation with family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory (8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale, Iowa). A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025 also at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory.

Barry was born on Dec 15, 1942 in Webster City, Iowa, to Arnold G. Benson and Jennie L. (Jacobson) Benson. He grew up in Story City, Iowa before moving to Nevada, Iowa for high school. After his graduation in 1961, he served four years as a yeoman in the US Navy stationed at bases in San Diego, California and Great Lakes, Illinois. A particular highlight of his Navy career was his time spent in the Aleutian Islands. 

Following the Navy, Barry studied English at Wartburg College before transferring and earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Northern Iowa. Barry and his former spouse, Carole Ridgley, married during this time and had three children together, Cory, Mark, and Josef. The couple later divorced. Barry began his teaching career in Oelwein, Iowa before taking a position at Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines where he devoted many years to teaching English alongside his cherished colleagues and students. Dowling is also where he met his current wife, Sally. Upon marriage, he gained a stepson, Daniel. A few years later, the family welcomed two more children, Samuel and Kirsten. Following his retirement, Barry taught at DMACC where he especially enjoyed developing his own courses. A great joy during this time was Barry’s devotion to his own varied writing projects, including many published articles, poems, and stories. He was very proud to co-author two books of poetry with his brother, Steve. 

Barry had a fundamental love of reading and a brilliant talent for writing throughout his life. He was often surrounded by books and formed many friendships and connections through the literary world. Barry also loved sports. He spent many years excelling in football, track, and baseball at Story City and Nevada, and he later coached for his kids’ teams. Barry adored growing up in Story City’s Norwegian community and enjoyed remaining connected to those family members, friends, and customs. He also had a tender appreciation for nature and loved to explore the world on his bicycle and with his family on walks. 

Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Jennie. He will be missed by his wife, Sally; children, Cory (Sheri), Mark, Josef, Daniel (Amanda), Samuel, and Kirsten; brother, Steve (Darla) and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

The family is grateful to the team at Ramsey Village for the devoted care and support they showed Barry. 

Memorial donations may be directed to the family on behalf of the Bertha Bartlett Public Library in Story City.