Gerald “Jerry” Lee Beneventi

Gerald “Jerry” Lee Beneventi was born to Donald and the late Carol Beneventi in Des Moines, Iowa on November 22, 1958. He was the third of five siblings—Greg (deceased), Mike, Teri, and Dan. The family resided in Granger, Iowa where they own a still thriving car dealership. Jerry was a popular student and was applauded for his singing and acting abilities in several school theatrical productions. He attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa from 1978 to 1981, and graduated with a dual degree in psychology and philosophy. Jerry studied at the University of Kansas Law School from 1982 to 1984. He married Holly Huhn in 1982 and they resided in Lawrence, Kansas. They became parents in 1985 with the birth of Kyle and Kirby, and again in 1990 with Brian. Jerry and Holly later divorced in 1999.

While Jerry was a student at the University of Kansas, he became a born-again believer and follower of Jesus Christ. He took a position as a full-time staff member with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) in 1986. He impacted many young lives and gained lifelong friends. His CCC assignments took the family to Kearney, NE, San Bernadino, CA, Fort Collins, CO, and Hampton Beach, NH. Jerry moved back to Lawrence in 1989 where he was employed by another evangelical organization, The Navigators.

Jerry left full-time ministry in 1991 and began private practice as a mediator the following year until 1994. During this time, he authored legislation that governs mediation procedures across the state of Kansas. He entered the corporate world in 1995 and began negotiating contracts for Sprint until he left in 2005. Jerry landed a position as a contract manager in 2006 with EDS which was later acquired by Hewlett-Packard. He was a highly respected member of the HP legal department until he took medical leave in August of 2015.

In 2000, Jerry married Susan King. They enjoyed 15 years of marriage during which they proudly watched Jerry’s three incredible children grow into adulthood, started many household projects (completing only a few), travelled extensively, loved God, and served His church.

Jerry lost his 15-month battle with lymphoma on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. Our hearts are broken at the thought of not seeing Jerry’s face, hearing his voice, receiving his wisdom, enjoying his humor, or eating his delicious food. But we are bursting with an unexplainable joy at the thought of seeing him again in Glory—whole and healthy. Rather than dwell upon what we have lost, we choose to soak in the good memories that are too numerous to count. Our lives have been impacted by Jerry in ways that we don’t yet fully know. We are eternally grateful to our great God who shared him with us for so many blessed years.

Viewing will be held from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 15, 2015 followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. at Mustard Seed Church 700 Wakarusa Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049. Private Graveside will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence.

The family will receive friends at the Beneventi home 825 Missouri Street following the service.

Information on memorial services for Jerry can be found at: http://warrenmcelwain.cwgen.com/obituary/gerald-beneventi.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Navigators (http://www.navigators.org) or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

35 Condolences

  1. Jill Larson-Bradney on November 13, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    Susan – I am so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I know this is a difficult time for you and your family but know that many people are sending you thoughts, love and prayers. God Bless.



  2. Julie Dunnaway on November 13, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    Susan and Family,

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to all of you.



  3. Kelsey Nelson on November 13, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers!



  4. Lon Dehnert on November 13, 2015 at 1:19 pm

    Susan and Family,

    I cannot tell you how sad I was to hear about your loss. Even though I never met Jerry, I’ve met you and he must have been a really special person to be with you. I will keep you all in my thoughts.

    Warmly, Lon



  5. Denise LaRosh on November 13, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    Susan, I’m so sorry. Please know Kyle and I have you and your family in our prayers.



  6. Charles McPheeters on November 13, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    Dear Children, How I wish I offer more than sympathy at this time.. But know that my spirit is both grieving and rejoicing with all of you. We suffer the loss and know Jerry is now free of pain.
    God Bless you.



  7. Priscilla McPheeters on November 13, 2015 at 4:29 pm

    Our hearts are so sad for you all, dear ones!
    We will continue to pray for you. I know our Heavenly Father has His loving arms around you and is offering peace and comfort.

    “Behold, God will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor sighing, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4



  8. Anonymous on November 13, 2015 at 7:45 pm

    Words cannot express how heavy our hearts feel for the loss of Jerry! Who are we to question God for this heart wrenching loss!!
    Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit!” PRAYING FOR PEACE for your family!!



  9. Christie Ogunnowo on November 13, 2015 at 7:48 pm

    Words cannot express how heavy our hearts feel for the loss of Jerry! Who are we to question God for this heart wrenching loss!!
    Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit!” PRAYING FOR PEACE for your family!!



  10. Betty Tiernan on November 13, 2015 at 9:28 pm

    Don and family, I am so very sorry for the loss of Jerry. I did not know him but I am sure Joe did and would also tell you how sorry he is too! God’s love will go with Jerry and will help you through this difficult time. Love to you all, Betty Tiernan



  11. Kyle LaRosh on November 14, 2015 at 1:43 am

    Susan and family,

    I cherish my friendship with Jerry, especially working with him on the Mustard Seed Mission Board. I will miss him greatly, with all the wisdom and understanding he brought to the Board. I rejoice for his presence with our Lord Jesus and the knowledge of us joining him there. May God’s love cover and protect your family!

    Love, Kyle



  12. Yvonne on November 14, 2015 at 1:45 am

    May The good Lord bless you and keep you in the shadow of his wing.



  13. Lisa Harney on November 14, 2015 at 6:56 am

    Don and Family:
    We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.



  14. jody McNaughton on November 14, 2015 at 7:27 am

    So sorry for your loss, we hope you find comfort knowing he will be forever in your memories. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
    Glen, Jody and the girls



  15. richard Burton on November 14, 2015 at 8:46 am

    Best discipler I ever had.



  16. Laura Fiori Hakes on November 14, 2015 at 9:08 am

    It has been years since I last saw Jerry. I believe the early 80’s. His photo brings back many wonderful memories. I was saddened to hear of his passing. I know he has touched many lives in a positive way, and will surely be missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends.



  17. Judy O'Connor-Snyder on November 14, 2015 at 10:39 am

    Dear family and friends,
    It is with a heavy heart that I write this. I am saddened by the loss of Jerry. Even though I have not seen him for many, many years I can sit here with a smile as I think of all the FUN times and memories we had growing up. Jerry could always make you laugh and light up a room with his witt. The heavens gained an angel.
    Sending much love, hugs, and prayers to all.
    Judy “O’Connor” Snyder



  18. Melissa Fitch Presser on November 14, 2015 at 11:16 am

    Jerry was a trusted friend and mentor during my college years. He was a wise and compassionate man who loved Jesus deeply. I am grateful for his influence in my life and am thankful that we will see Jerry again someday. So sad for your loss but so very thankful for Jesus. May God’s peace that passes understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.



  19. Willie on November 14, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    Going home..going home! PAX AETERNA, Jerry…PAX TECUM!



  20. Leanne Ware on November 15, 2015 at 10:58 am

    Jerry’s impact on my life in Christ, my family’s life and my practice as a clinical psychologist has been profound. I often refer to him in therapy sessions, citing some of the spiritual wisdom that he gave to me. Surely more than any other person in my life, Jerry Beneventi helped me to see that the best psychological practices are in God’s Word. I believe that the Lord’s desires for my clinical practice and my own well being were set in the “right direction” through my friendship with Jerry, meeting with him and learning from him. May his memory live eternally as our love for him, and Godly wisdom from him keeps Jerry ever close in our hearts and minds. My heart is aching for his family and all of us who benefitted from his friendship.



  21. Al & Eileen Rogers on November 15, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    Susan, We are saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Al & Eileen



  22. Donna Manning on November 15, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    So very saddened to hear about Jerry’s passing. He is at peace now and the suffering is over. My blessings and condolence to you, Don, Mike, Teri and Dan and to his wife and children.



  23. LoRetta Tegarden on November 16, 2015 at 2:17 pm

    Dear Susan, Kyle, Kirby and Brian,
    Jerry was a very talented man who left an imprint while serving God here. I never met him, but knowing his children, Jerry had to be a special person. He will be missed. Let your wonderful memories of him will ease your sorrow.

    LoRetta Tudor Tegarden



  24. Joyce Pearson on November 16, 2015 at 5:16 pm

    Susan,

    Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I am so glad I got to know Jerry. He is watching over all of us. He fought a good fight. I cannot wait to see him in glory.

    He always made me and others feel so welcome in your home.
    I miss him and I know you do to. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

    Call on me if you need anything. I love you my sister.

    Joyce



  25. Everard Auston Hughes on November 16, 2015 at 6:15 pm

    Susan;
    I deeply saddened to learn of your transition loss. May all your beautiful memories comfort you in this difficulty. May condolences to you and your family and Hampton Hugs until I see you again.



  26. Ernest P. Smith on November 17, 2015 at 4:26 am

    Susan
    My prayers and blessings are with you and your family. Hampton Hugs



  27. Anna Lynn Christoff on November 17, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    Susan, I am so sad to hear this news. Jerry worked for me at HP and he was a joy to have on the team. His expertise was invaluable in handling all the work. In addition, I loved his outlook on life—he was so positive, calm and always had a great perspective. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.



  28. Cori Green on November 17, 2015 at 3:22 pm

    Susan- I just heard of this news today. What a beautiful write up about Jerry. I am not surprised that he was a very decorated man. I am so sorry for this very sad time you are going through. Jerry always made me smile when I saw him. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts.
    Cori Green



  29. RJ Johnson on November 17, 2015 at 3:45 pm

    Keep The Faith…



  30. Don & Lori Hawbaker on November 17, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    To the Beneventi Family:
    Sorry to hear of the passing of Jerry. We never knew him, but do know much of the family and wish to pass our condolences along to all the many family members. May he rest in peace and you grief be made easier knowing he sits with God now and all his suffering is no more.



  31. Don and Sandy Nelson on November 17, 2015 at 5:43 pm

    Don and Family
    We are so sorry about Jerry. Know by obituary that he was a great helper to many.



  32. Rose Chepyator-Thomson on November 17, 2015 at 8:09 pm

    Dear Susan:
    I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your loving husband Jerry. My condolences to you and your family.



  33. Sheryl Henry on November 18, 2015 at 1:10 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this hard time.



  34. Diane Sorensen on June 8, 2020 at 12:08 pm

    Susan and family,

    It is 5 years since Jerry died, and I just now learned of his passing (for some reason, I thought of him and googled him). We were good friends during law school. I am so saddened to know he has been gone from this world, and that I didn’t even know. I am so glad he found you, Susan. I don’t know you, but I know that he must have found his first true love in you. I wish I’d been able to say good-bye, and tell him how much his friendship meant to me.



  35. Rodney L Miller on March 3, 2023 at 6:13 pm

    Don and family! I never knew Jerry passed away! I just saw this article on FaceBook. I met Jerry once and thought he was a really nice guy which are all of the Bentivienti’s! I am really sorry for your loss!



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