Boaz Benda
May 20, 2026 - July 7, 2026

Boaz Albert David Benda
May 20, 2026 - July 7, 2026

Boaz, made his grand debut on Memorial Day, coming the day before his planned arrival. Even while still on the inside Boaz was feisty, waking his momma up in the middle of the night with his kicking. On his birthday the feistiness continued.

Boaz was born with a rare birth defect. A severe right sided Congenital Diaphragmic Hernia (CDH). After he was born his amazing team at the University of Iowa, got him settled in. He spent 25 days on ECMO, surprising many, as he came off ECMO, doing things his own way. His team described him as dramatic, a perfectionist requiring a perfect 10 out of 10 and Boaz is either full speed ahead or slamming on the brakes; there is no in-between.

Boaz fought with everything he had. His team, family and friends fought alongside him. Tuesday July 7th for the first time Boaz got to be held. He got to experience a room full of people who love him. Nine and a half hours of snuggles, love and hope. His daddy, Joshua, held him with mommy, Andria, by his side, as daddy walked him home to Jesus.

Boaz changed his family forever and left a lasting impact on his medical team. He kept all of us on our toes during his 43 days here, all spent in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Every day he had family at his bedside, loving on him. Every evening his mom or dad would sing him a lullaby goodnight and remind him how strong, brave and loved he is. Boaz sadly did not have the chance to meet so many family and friends who loved and prayed for him. However, Boaz was still able to touch the lives of so many. His impact on those who love him will be felt forever.

In addition to his parents, Boaz is survived by his five older siblings: Galaxie, Freedom, Eternity, Creedance and Hezekiah. His Paternal Grandparents: Brad and Carolyn (Shover) Benda of Toledo, Iowa; Great grandparents: Gary and Dorothy (Polka) Benda Toledo, Iowa; Great grandmother Virginia (Ginny) Shover of Tama, Iowa; along with many, many aunts, uncles, cousins, bonus family and friends are all mourning the loss of our little fighter Boaz.

To Celebrate Boaz's life, a service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Harvest Vineyard Church, 320 South 17th Street in Ames, Iowa. Visitation will start at 10:00 AM with the service beginning at 12:00 PM. Followed by a traditional Fourth of July grill out.

The family requests you to wear your best patriotic attire. Celebrating a Memorial Day birth and Fourth of July flare. T-shirts will also be available. ALL CHILDREN ARE WELCOME.

In lieu of flowers and other customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be left to the family's discretion and sent to their attention, c/o Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa, 50010.
If you would care to purchase a shirt in remembrance of Boaz, all proceeds will be donated to The CDH Foundation https://shop.iowatees.com/boaz_celebration_of_life/shop/home

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