Benjamin Jeffrey Newell

Benjamin J. Newell, 24, of North Liberty, formerly of Mason City, died unexpectedly, October 31, 2012, at his residence. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, November 5, 2012, at First United Methodist Church, 119 South Georgia Ave. with Pastor Sean McRoberts and Pastor Jim Stiles officiating. Visitation will be held 2:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 4, 2012 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ben Newell memorial fund in care of the family. Benjamin Jeffrey Newell was born November 7, 1987 in Mason City to Roxann (Jensen) and Jeff Newell. He attended school in Mason City and graduated in 2006 from Mason City High School. He loved sports and participated in swimming, soccer, football and cross country. Ben excelled at swimming and qualified for the state meet all four years of high school. He worked as a lifeguard during the summer and later at Fareway in the meat dept. Ben attended Luther College, NIACC and the University of Iowa, graduating in 2010 with a degree in finance from the Tippie College of Business at the Univ. of Iowa. Ben has worked the last 2 ½ years as a multiple line representative at a State Farm agency in Iowa City. Ben was a member of First United Methodist Church in Mason City. He was confirmed there in May 2002. Growing up, Ben enjoyed Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Youth Groups at his church. Ben enjoyed Iowa Hawkeye football, the Vikings, fishing, snowmobiling, golfing, boating, country music concerts, and being with his many friends. Ben had a gentle spirit and a quiet demeanor. He had a ready smile and a kind word for everyone. He thoroughly cherished the time he had with his dog, Jethro. Ben had a big heart with a spirit of volunteerism and helping others. He volunteered on mission trips to Kentucky (ASP) for 9 summers. Ben has helped with Special Olympics and was a Chamber Ambassador for the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce. He also volunteered at a food bank in North Liberty. He is survived by his loving parents, Jeff and Roxann Newell of Mason City; siblings, Tyler and Kayla of Mason City, his grandmother Raeburn Newell Louscher of Spirit Lake, IA, aunt Carol Jensen, of Eden Prairie, MN, uncles, Jack Jensen (Patty) of Ft. Collins, CO, Allan Jensen of Westminster, CO, Colin Jensen (Mary) of Wesley Chapel, FL, Craig Newell (Lynn) of Arnolds Park, IA, cousins, Angela Doman (Patrick) of Rosemount, MN; Curt Jensen of Ft. Collins, CO; Barrett Tritle (Nate) of Flagstaff, AZ; Alyssa Granquist (Aaron) of North Liberty, IA; Brandon Newell (Heather) of Spokane, WA; Avery, Addison and Henry Doman, Sam and Layne Tritle, Sydney and Will Granquist, Mitchell, Bayleigh, and Hunter Jensen, many, many friends and his beloved dog, Jethro. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Burton Newell, Dick and Joyce Jensen, John Louscher and by his cousin, Mike Jensen.

Cemetery:
Private family inurnment services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ben Newell memorial fund in care of the family.

Visitation:
Visitation will be held 2:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 4, 2012 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Service:
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, November 5, 2012, at First United Methodist Church, 119 South Georgia Ave. with Pastor Sean McRoberts and Pastor Jim Stiles officiating.