William Rudolf "Bill" Bensch

1943 - 2017

William "Bill" Rudolf Bensch

73, of Indianapolis, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 14, 2017.  

He was born July 31, 1943 in New York City to the late Rudolf and Phyllis DeGuard Bensch. Bill graduated from Archbishop Malloy High School, received his BA from Manhattan College and his Masters Degree from Purdue University. At Purdue Bill met Diane Kjonaas, who would become his wife of more than 46 years. Together they had four children. Bill was employed as a Biochemist at Eli Lilly and Company for 35 years, retiring in 2008.

Bill was active in several area churches including St. Thomas Aquinas, Indianapolis 1st Church of the Nazarene and East 91st Street Christian. Passionate about theology and ancient history, Bill was the leader of dozens of Bible studies, Sunday School classes and small groups.

Bill was a very active participant in the lives of his four children, volunteering his time as a soccer coach, Bible quizzing director and science fair judge. For many years he was a volunteer with the Lawrence Central Performing Arts Association where he supported his children in both the marching band and show choir.

Though never exposed to it as a child, Bill became an active camper in his adult life, taking his family on camping trips to National parks all over the United States and Canada. He also organized a yearly camping trip that included dozens of families from Indianapolis 1st Church.

Bill became a Master Gardener through the Purdue Extension program in 2010. His other hobbies included photography, music appreciation and woodworking.

Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease shortly after his retirement, Bill and his family were supported by many volunteers and organizations around the city. The family would especially like to thank the kind and caring staffs at the following organizations: the Alzheimer's Support Group at E91, especially it's leader, Dawn; the Still Waters Adult Day Center at Castleton United Methodist; the Reflections Unit at Hancock Regional Hospital; the Cherished Memories Unit at Copper Trace and Heart to Heart Hospice.

The family would also like to give a special thanks to Bill's daughter, Kristen, who moved home from California to assist in Bill's care and support her mother, Diane, in this journey. With Kristen's support, and Diane's service to her husband, Bill was able to remain at home until the final weeks of his life.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation from 11:00 a.m. at East 91st Street Christian Church, 6049 East 91st Street, Indianapolis 46250.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Diane; sons, Nathan (Tara), Tim (Kacy), and Ben Bensch; daughter, Kristen Bensch; and grandchildren, Aidan, Maddie, Quinlyn and Alexis Bensch.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts the family requests that Memorial contributions may be made to the Still Waters Adult Day Center at Castleton United Methodist Church. Checks can be made to "Still Waters Adult Day Center," 7160 Shadeland Station, Door #3, Indianapolis, IN 46256. Final care and arrangements entrusted to Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel.

www.shirleybrothers.com