Jeanie Landa

Barbara Jean Landa (formerly Benson), more affectionally known as “Jeanie,” was born on June 12, 1946, the daughter of Robert “Scotty” and June (formerly Skaith) Benson in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Jeanie received her education from Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs until her junior year when her family moved to San Diego. She graduated from Hoover High School in San Diego with the class of 1964.

Jeanie met Charles “Chuck” Landa in 1984 and the couple had a long-distance relationship and then were able to live together for many years. They were married on May 13, 2000, in Escondido, California. Jeanie and Chuck landed in Carlsbad, CA where they made a life next to the ocean. They settled in next to her brother Tom and sister-in-law, Kay, whom she adored and loved spending her time with. Her kids and grandkids followed suit and they all landed in Carlsbad, CA where the grandchildren grew up.

Jeanie worked several jobs in her earlier years (accounting, legal secretary, etc.), but more notably, she took on the role as Facilities Manager at Grossmont High School where she remained for over 25 years. Jeanie forged the path for women at the district as she was the first female to ever hold this role and title. She retired for a short while but decided to start up in the property management industry, near the ocean where she lived, where she managed Lake Shore Gardens. After her second retirement, both Jeanie and Chuck found their chosen location in Iowa and made their home in the country.

Jeanie loved her three dogs and loved living on their property in the country. She always came across her good luck when she visited the casino. Jeanie enjoyed traveling with her husband, Chuck, in their RV. Chuck and Jeanie also took a trip to Australia, which was another enjoyment for her. They loved taking their RV to various spots, notably, Audubon, Iowa where she could be close to some of her great-grandchildren. She cherished making memories with her family. Her family will deeply miss her bringing them together as the “rallying matriarch” of their family. Jeanie had a special bond with her granddaughter Riley, whom she was very close to and loved very much. After Jeanie lost her brother, Tom, she really cherished the moments spent with her sister-in-law, Kay, especially in the last four years when she became ill. Jeanie and Kay would make the most of the time that they spent together laughing and carrying on at doctors’ visits.

The week before Jeanie passed, she was surrounded by her family, telling stories, and reminiscing about old times. She loved sitting on her deck in the sunshine with her family (see attached photo). Jeanie passed away peacefully, in her home, near Harlan, Iowa on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the age of 78 years and three days. She was brave, she was strong and most of all, she was loved by her family.

Jeanie was preceded in death by her parents, dear brother Tom, sister Patty and five step-siblings. She is survived by her husband, Chuck Landa of Harlan; her two children: Kevin (wife Noelle) Cunningham of Phoenix, Arizona and Kellie Galland of Litchfield Park, Arizona; grandchildren: Cameron, Alex, Riley, Jordan and Paityn; great-grandchildren: Carter, Harper, Noah and others; sister-in-law, Kay Benson of Harlan; several nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Jeanie’s wishes were to be cremated and her family will be holding a Celebration of Life Service at a later date of their choosing.