Duane Michael Hensler

Duane Michael Hensler
March 28, 1961 – April 2, 2025

Duane Michael Hensler, age 64, passed away peacefully, with Amanda by his side, on April 2, 2025, after a sudden, brief illness.  Born on March 28, 1961, in Denver, CO, to Karl Eugene and Julianne Elizabeth Hensler, Duane was a beloved father, partner, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed by so many people.

Duane graduated from Metro State University and began his career as a plumber, and he took great pride in his work “laying pipe” during the construction of Coors Field. His plumbing career later transitioned into retail management, starting with Home Base, he then continued his career with Lowe’s Home Improvement (formerly Eagle Hardware). His dedication to his work led him to Bed Bath & Beyond, where he traveled throughout Colorado, opening new stores, until it brought him back to Pueblo again.

After helping Amanda out “here and there” for several years, Duane began working full time with Rocky Mountain Fire Extinguisher in 2019. He worked alongside Amanda to help grow the business, which now employs seven people and serves hundreds of customers throughout Southeastern Colorado.

In June 2004, Duane married Amanda Sue Burns, and together, they built a life centered around family, love, and partnership. Over the years, they became not only husband and wife but also devoted co-parents to their son, Carter Evan Thomas Hensler. Their bond, though evolving, remained rooted in mutual respect and friendship.

In September 2022, after many years of shared experiences, Duane and Amanda amicably divorced. Despite this change, their commitment to their son and their business never wavered. They continued to work together as partners and co-owners of Rocky Mountain Fire Extinguisher and as co-parents to Carter. Always prioritizing the well-being of their son and the success of their shared ventures.

Duane’s absolute greatest joy in life was his role as a loving “dada” to his 12-year-old son, Carter Evan Thomas Hensler. He shared his love of baseball and the Colorado Rockies with Carter, and their shared memories on and off the field will remain forever cherished. The week before Duane passed, he took Carter to Phoenix, Arizona so they could experience Major League Baseball’s Cactus League Spring Training. This had become an annual Spring Break tradition for them. In addition to passing on his love of baseball, Duane also loved to fish and teaching Carter how to catch the “big one.”

Second only to his son, baseball and the Colorado Rockies were Duane’s passion. So much so that in November 1992, Duane attended the expansion draft for the Colorado Rockies in New York City. He wanted to “see for himself” that a Major League Baseball team was actually being drafted to come to Colorado. Duane’s love for baseball and the Colorado Rockies will live on through Carter who thoroughly enjoys all things baseball.

Duane never met a stranger and was a friend to so many. He would talk to just about anybody about a wide range of topics. His knowledge and passion for antiques, passed down to him from his mom, kept him “pick’n” nearly every day. What started out as a hobby, turned into a verifiable side hustle, selling antiques in stores both in Pueblo and Colorado Springs.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Julianne Hensler. He is survived by his beloved son, Carter Hensler; his loving partner, Amanda Hensler; his brothers, Leo Hensler, Robert Hensler, and David Hensler; as well as former in-laws Debra Howard, John Burns, Kevin Burns, Julee (Adam and Maxi) Quintana, and Andrew (Raquel and Daisy) Burns. He is also deeply mourned by his close work friends James Cotton, Tom Behling, Paul Pate, and Erin Murphy. Along with a vast circle of friends and extended family who were touched by his warmth and kindness.

Duane’s presence will be profoundly missed by all who have had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of Duane’s life will be held on Saturday, April 12th at 2:00 PM at The Ecumenical Church of Pueblo West, 434 S. Conquistador Ave., Pueblo West, CO 81007. Family and friends are encouraged to wear Colorado Rockies gear or purple attire to honor Duane’s love for baseball and the special memories he shared with Carter. A light reception in the church’s fellowship hall will follow the service. Cremation services completed by Montgomery & Steward. Full obituary and online condolences available at  www.MontgomerySteward.com

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to support Carter Hensler through an account in his name at Wells Fargo Bank. Donations can be made via Zelle using Amanda’s number (719-248-3393), or in person at any Wells Fargo branch. For account details, please text Amanda directly.