Michael Benschneider

Michael Dean Benschneider passed away peacefully at home on September 22, 2019 with family and friends at his bedside.

Mike, "Benny", was born February 25th, 1959, the son of William Benschneider and Donna (Neu) Benschneider, of Payne, Ohio. He attended Wayne Trace High School and graduated from the University of Toledo. Mike moved to Colorado in 1983, where he later received his MBA from Webster University and his JD from the University of Denver.

Mike began his 35 year career at Farmers Insurance in 1984 initially in claims and working his way up to Branch Claims Manager before joining the Government Affairs division in 1999. He held numerous positions in the Government Affairs division including Senior Government Affairs Manager, Director of Regulatory Affairs, and Director of Compliance. Mike was voted Government Affairs Manager of the Year numerous times. He was also the architect of building the Farmers Insurance Political Action Committee into the largest Insurance PAC in Colorado and one of the largest Business PACs.

He was an influential leader in many organizations. Locally, Mike held the position of Board President of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association and the Colorado Civil Justice League. Nationally, he was Board President for the Civil Justice Reform Group, a board member of the American Tort Reform Association, and the Civil Justice Association of California. Many benefited from his knowledge, legal expertise, and mentorship.

Mike was always an active member of his community. He stepped up and held several positions including Board President at The Village Club and member of the St. Anne's Episcopal School Development Committee. Mike was involved in his community by volunteering his time at Most Precious Blood School and Valor Christian High School.

As an avid sportsman, Mike enjoyed golf, baseball, and basketball. He loved contributing his time coaching.

Mike was married to his wife and best friend, Patrice, for 28 years. Together they enjoyed parenting their two children and spending time as a family.

He was always willing to help friends, family, business and neighborhood associates with legal matters. He was well respected for his honesty, kindness, humor, and generosity. Mike was always willing to organize an excuse for a social gathering. He was known and loved for his quick wit, easy going nature and positive outlook on life.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, William and Donna, sisters Cindy and Debbie, and nephew Jeff. He leaves his beloved wife, Patrice, daughter, AlexMarie, son, Aiden, sister, Sandy (Don), brother, Bill (Linda), and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed by family and friends and remembered fondly by all.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, October 25, 2019 at 10:00 am at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 3959 E. Iliff Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80210. A memorial luncheon will follow the mass at The Village Club's Stone House, 4601 E. Belleview Avenue, Cherry Hills Village, Colorado 80121. Memorial flowers may be donated through https://www.veldkampsflowers.com/