Kenneth Albert Benson

Kenneth A Benson, 94, passed away on October 21, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who touched the lives of many with his hard work, willingness to share his knowledge and sense of humor.

Born in Richland Center, Wisconsin, he grew up on the family dairy farm near Viola. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he met his wife, Betty and earned his BS in physics. He joined the United States Air Force shortly after graduation and few years later earned his MS in physics at the University of Washington. He served in the Air Force for 22 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He and his family lived in many states ending up in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he retired from the military. He then worked at the New Mexico Engineering Research Institute for another 18 years before really retiring. In 2021, he and his wife moved to the Denver area to be closer to his daughters.

He is survived by his brother, Robert Benson; three children, Carolyn (Dan) Schultz, Margaret (Robert) Martinez and William (Berry West) Benson; two grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason) Upchurch and Sara (Lee) Meleagris; a great granddaughter, Ashley Hancock and his nieces and nephews, Phyllis (Richard) Matel, Kevin (Anna) Benson and Brian (Hillary) Benson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rena and William Benson, his wife, Betty Benson, his brother, Ralph Benson as well as his nephew, Dennis Benson, his niece, Heidi Sooy and a grandchild, Matthew Martinez.

Kenneth had many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed rockhounding, jewelry making, photography, woodworking and furniture making as well as building and programming computers. He did plumbing and electrical work around his home and was able to fix or build just about anything. He and his wife loved to travel, and they visited all fifty states as well as all seven continents on numerous trips and cruises. He also loved being in the mountains and enjoyed camping, hiking and cross-country skiing. He volunteered at the Visitor Center at the Valle Caldera National Preserve in New Mexico. He also volunteered at the Bear Canyon Senior Center in Albuquerque for many years teaching computer skills to seniors and helping them with their taxes.

He and Betty will be buried in the Viola Cemetery in Wisconsin. A celebration of life for both Kenneth and Betty Benson will be held next summer in Wisconsin. More information will be available later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.