Funeral Details

I first met Joseph when I was first hired at MechSE in the Business office (I have since moved to the UPO) and Laurie Macadam had me handle his travel reimbursements because they always had complications largely due to his always having his wife travel with him. I think met him and his wife randomly at Meijer (I may have also met his sister-in-law too) and was thanked wholeheartedly and described as "this is Robbie. He is the one who always helps us with our travel."
I thoroughly enjoyed every subsequent conversation I had with Joseph ranging from the progress he was making on his textbook (which I helped him adopt as a required textbook) to dietary changes and al dente pasta for weight loss.
He was a delight as a colleague and I will miss him.
thoughts, prayers, and best wishes in your time of grief
Robbie

Robbie Vermillion

Joe was a pleasure to be around in MechSE. I was inspired by his curiosity and zest for life. He will be missed.

Kyle Smith

Professor Bentsman was an incredible mentor who shaped not only my career but my character. He guided me through the complexities of research with brilliance, but it was his support in my personal life that I will never forget. Because of him, I am no longer afraid to take on the hardest challenges life throws my way. He taught me that with the right guidance and determination, nothing is insurmountable.

Zhelin Chen

It's hard to imagine a world without Professor Bentsman. In class, in the lab, or just singing songs after a good meal at his home, he brought more joy and enthusiasm to everything he did than anyone else I've known. He was one of a kind, and we will miss him greatly.

Bryan Petrus

I just wanted to say: what an extraordinary man! While we mostly interacted through his students, I have come to appreciate his engineering entrepreneurship and his talent for scientific research and education. He will be sorely missed!

Eduard Kirr

He was an exceptional academic, a dedicated researcher, and above all, a deeply caring human being. His passion for advancing healthcare, particularly in the areas of automated electrosurgery and cancer detection, remained unwavering throughout his life. He cared profoundly for every member of his team, always investing in people with sincerity and purpose. He had a remarkable ability to nurture human potential and build enduring relationships, all while upholding the highest standards of academic rigor. His legacy lives on not only in his scientific contributions, but in the countless lives he touched with kindness, mentorship, and integrity.

Girish Krishnan

I am so sorry and shocked to learn of the recent, untimely passing of Joseph Bentsman. Joe has been a great friend and colleague of mine since we both started teaching together in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois in 1985. We developed a great research relationship, with Prof. Bentsman contributing significantly to the Continuous Casting Consortium/Center which I have directed at both University of Illinois and at Colorado School of Mines for over 40 years. Our last research meeting was only just last week. I will really miss Joe’s charm and enthusiasm for our research together. His insights and contributions into understanding and control of the process, especially on the theoretical side, were unique and irreplaceable. He had a very strong intellect, in addition to his ability to teach and communicate with passion. But, more, I cherish the true friendship we had, and his caring nature, which always came out when we visited, such as sharing moments over coffee, snacks, or meals together. I will miss him dearly. My heart-felt condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones, especially Osanna, Ben, Michelle, and his graduate students during this difficult time. On behalf of my wife, Sandi and I, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Brian Thomas

Joseph was one of the first faculty who welcomed me to MechSE when I joined the department. Every time I ran into him I enjoyed our conversation. He will be very missed.

Elif Ertekin

Joseph had the rare quality and energy to have a vision and philosophy of how things should be. He was incredibly supportive and protective of student interests. I appreciate being welcomed at the funeral.
My heart goes out to the family. All the best.
Guillermo and Olivia

Guillermo Monroy

Introduced by common research interests and a student who worked with both of us, I spent about the last six years working with Joe. His research accomplishments aside, I truly never ceased to be amazed by his infinite excitement and passion for life. My wife and I would run into Joe and Osanna at Harvest Market (where I believe he was probably the only colleague to have ever hugged us in a grocery store), and of course he -- again usually accompanied by Osanna -- was a constant presence at conferences, particularly in far-away places, where he was unfailingly in sincere awe of the location, and always recommended that I stay a few extra days to explore it better. The news of his death came as an immense shock, but his presence, energy, and enthusiasm will of course remain in our kindest thoughts. May his memory be for a blessing. Sincere condolences to the entire family from Gina and Melkior.

Melkior Ornik