Bill Bensler

Jun 22, 1974 -

Jul 20, 2023

William "Bill" James Bensler of Superior, Colo., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 20, 2023, after a long battle with leukemia. He was 49 years old.

Bill was born in Anchorage, Alaska, to Jim and Connie Bensler. Growing up, Bill and his brother Mike took full advantage of the beautiful Alaska backdrop, playing hockey, camping, fishing and exploring the mountain trails surrounding their home. In 1992, Bill graduated from Service High School and moved to Boulder, Colo., to follow his passion for space and the stars by pursuing an aerospace engineering degree at the University of Colorado. After graduation, he relocated to Southern California, where he went on to work for NASA at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and completed his master's degree at UCLA. One of his proudest accomplishments was his work on the Mars Exploration Rovers. After several years in California, his career and family obligations took him back to Colorado, where he worked at Ball Corporation in the aerospace division on projects like the Kepler Mission which searched for signs of life on other planets.

Bill married the love of his life, Stephanie, in 1999. They have three beautiful children: Will, Abby and Anna. Over the years, their family continued his passions of camping and stargazing in the mountains, building memories and traditions that will live on for generations. Bill loved his children and was an awesome father, passing on his love of astronomy and the Colorado Avalanche to his kids. He leaves them prepared to continue to search the skies with his vast telescope collection. Some of his happiest days were spent exploring the mountains and spending time at the family cabin.

Bill is preceded in death by his grandparents, Buck and Pauline Bensler and Roy and Alvina Miller. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie; and children, Will, Abby and Anna. He is also survived by his parents, Jim and Connie; brother, Mike (Rebecca); and nieces, Catherine and Elizabeth. The family would like to thank Dr. Chris Benton and Dr. Luke Mountjoy for their compassionate and unwavering care of Bill.

A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at 1:30 p.m., at The Establishment, 11885 Bradburn Boulevard, Westminster, CO 80031. There will be a light reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill's honor to Colorado Blood Cancer Institute, 1721 E 19th Ave., Suites 200-300, Denver, CO 80218. The hyperlink will be added soon to this page for convenience.