Herman "Ben" Meis, 74, of Cedar Rapids died Friday morning, March 31, 2006 at his home following a long illness.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Monsignor Karl Glovik, presiding and Ben's nephew Father Matt LaChance, con-celebrant.  Private family inurnment will be at a later date.  Friends may call from 4 to 8 pm on Monday at Brosh Chapel, Cedar Rapids.  A Rosary will be recited ½ hour prior to services Tuesday at the church.

Ben was born on May 26, 1931 in Cedar Rapids the son of Herman A. and Margaret (Larson) Meis.  He married Bonnie Wyatt on January 1, 1990 in Cedar Rapids.  Ben obtained his Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from St. Thomas Aquinas College in 1954 and a graduate degree in English from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC in 1963.  This preceded his chosen profession as an educator and author.  Ben taught at acclaimed schools in Illinois, Louisiana, and Texas and influenced many lives.  The ability of touching other lives followed him throughout his own.  Ben was gifted in seeing intrinsic goodness in everyone.  He will be remembered as a lovable, jovial, dramatic personality who made people laugh and feel good.  He was known for reciting excerpts of plays, poetry, and stories to the delight of his audience.

Survivors include his wife Bonni; step-children Scott, Robin, Kim (Randy), Peter (Angela), Tom (Denise), Barb (Terry), and Matt (Cathy); eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters Jody (Jack) Sherwin, Therese (Fred) LaChance, and Molly (Richard) Connor; brothers Thomas (Betty), Francis, John (Marjene), and Tony (Diane); and many much loved nieces and nephews.

Ben had a special place in his heart for his grandson, Gabe.  As close caring friends they shared life experiences and a mutual love of knowledge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Margaret Collins, and brother-in-law Arthur Collins.

Memorials may be directed to the charity of the donor's choice.