Benda, Kenneth J., 1918-2007.

Kenneth J. Benda received a B.S. (1940) in forestry from Iowa State College (University). Benda began working at the Hartwick State Bank in Hartwick, Iowa in 1946. Benda retired as President of the bank in 1991 and continued to serve on the bank's Board of Directors until his death. Benda was active in Iowa politics, the American Legion, and a number of professional banking organizations. He has served as the Poweshiek County (Iowa) Republican chairman, on the Poweshiek County Conservation Boad, as the Iowa Department Commander (1956-1957) of the American Legion, and as President (1975-1976) of the Independent Bankers Association of America. Benda was elected to the Iowa State Senate in 1962 and resigned his seat in 1969 to accept the position as Iowa Commerce Commission Charman (1969-1971).