Ben C. Maddy

Ben C. Maddy, age 91, of Albia passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at the Oakwood Nursing Home in Albia. Ben was born April 6, 1919 to Carl and Jenny (Davis) Maddy near Weller, IA. Ben attended school in Bucknell and the Albia Jr. College where he excelled in playing basketball. He later spent time refereeing local basketball games and often provided transportation for the players. Ben served in the Navy during WW II as Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class. He ran a restaurant off the northeast corner of the Albia square on East Benton, and for 12 years owned and operated the Conoco Gas Station on West Benton. After selling the station, Ben worked at the Knoxville VA Hospital, first as a nurse's aide and later provided physical therapy for patients. Ben also worked as a federal meat inspector for several years, retiring in 1981. On October, 4 1955, Ben was united in marriage to Lorene Stephens/Johnson at the United Brethren Church in Albia. Ben lovingly welcomed her two children Mike and Julie into his family. Ben and Lorene were blessed with 54 years of marriage and 3 more children, Steven Carl and Douglas C. Maddy of Albia, and Lori Marie Schlapman of Brookfield, WI. In 1959 Ben found a way to "live his passion" when he purchased his 80 acre farm south west of Albia. He spent many hours there tending to his cow calf operation and improving his land. He won awards for improving his pasture from the Monroe County Conservation Commission. Ben is survived by his wife Lorene, and his five children, Julie & (Dean) Bettis , Steven & (Darlene) Maddy, Doug Maddy & (Teresa) , all of Albia, Mike & (Delores) Johnson of Monroe, and Lori & (Fred) Schlapman of Brookfield, WI. Ben is also survived by a brother Richard & (Lois) Maddy of Albia. Ben is survived by 13 grandchildren, William & Brian Johnson, Jeffery& David Bettis, Joleen Hugen, Jenny Sesker, Ryan Maddy, Lauren & Brooke Schlapman, Kelsey, Shelby, Cheyenne and Payton Maddy and 14 great-grandchildren. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jeffery Lynn Maddy in 1963, and four brothers Russell, David, Wayne and an infant brother Donald Maddy. Ben was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, and the Albia American Legion. Ben felt so blessed when he had an opportunity to be around people especially his grandchildren or great-grandchildren. He had a passion for helping others by providing care when needed. A memorial has been established to the Albia Booster Club, Trinity United Methodist Church, or the Family Life Center.

Ben C. Maddy

April 6, 1919 - September 26, 2010