David Hensler

David Michael Hensler, age 46, of Cedar City, UT, passed away on July 1, 2025.
David was born on June 7, 1979, in Lancaster, CA, the eldest child of Mark and Jodi Hensler. He spent his early years in California City before moving to Tehachapi, CA, where he graduated from high school in 1997. He went on to study Philosophy at California State University, Monterey Bay, earning a master's degree in 2002. David's career in the energy sector, maintaining wind turbines and later managing solar farms, took him all across the western United States, from mountain peaks to desert plains.
Surrounded by a large and dynamic family, David was the beloved eldest brother to Benny, Sadie, Sam, Ryan, Molly, Jake, and Sawyer. To his siblings, as well as dozens of cousins, David was a constant source of emotional strength, known for his deep wisdom and empathy. His resilience was exemplified by overcoming a near-fatal accident as a teenager, surviving a 50-foot fall from a rope swing onto a steep, rocky hillside, an event that required extensive reconstruction of his forearms with titanium plates.
David was the devoted father of two children, Vivienne and Raven, before meeting his soulmate and future wife, Chari. After their marriage, David lovingly adopted Chari's three children-Ruger, Remington, and Holland-raising them as his own. Together, David and Chari lived joyfully, building a life rooted in laughter, love, and shared passions. Their joint venture, Muscle and Mirth, emerged from their mutual passion for competitive powerlifting, during which David invented innovative powerlifting accessories that improved safety for lifters.
The family endured a heartbreaking tragedy when Chari was suddenly diagnosed with stage IV cancer in 2021, passing away shortly afterward. The profound loss deeply affected David, who remained devoted to his five children, giving them all his remaining strength, love, and guidance.
David will be deeply missed, cherished always for his boundless compassion, unwavering kindness, profound understanding, and above all, his infectious mirth.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday August 2, 2025 at 10 am at the Cedar City Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow from 12-4 pm at The Festival Hall (96 N. Main St., Cedar City, UT). Final arrangements are under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences may be shared at www.mortuary.org.