Billy Schwengel, 47, passed away peacefully of natural causes in Cedarburg, Wisconsin on July 9, 2024.

A 1995 graduate of Cedarburg High School, Billy received an associate degree at Gogebic Community College in Upper Michigan, where he majored in ski area management. He spent the next decades of his life in his beloved Colorado, first in Summit County and then in Telluride and Mountain Village.

For the last 18 years, Billy was a popular fixture in Telluride working in the ski, bike, and hospitality industry. In 2021, Billy helped start an eco-friendly landscaping company.

Compassionate, loyal, cheerful, and very witty, he attracted people of all ages—from childhood friends in Wisconsin, to celebrities in Telluride, to people he simply met on the street. Billy's magic was that he made everyone around him feel comfortable and loved.

Billy was an artist and also enjoyed music, particularly the Grateful Dead and Widespread Panic. He attended many shows over the years with his close community of music loving friends.

He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and nephew. At the time of his passing, he was survived by his family including his parents Jim and Judy Schwengel, sister Christy and her family, his cherished rescue dog Sweet Pea, and one of the largest and most loyal group of friends that anyone could ever hope for.

A celebration of Billy's life will occur on Saturday, November 2nd at Eernisse Funeral Home in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. There will be an informal gathering from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with remarks at 7:00. There will also be a gathering in Telluride, Colorado this fall. Details to be determined.

While Billy had an infectious laugh and wonderful sense of humor, he also had a deep sense of what really mattered in this world. Billy lived big and loved big. He was genuine. He valued inclusion and rejected hate. In lieu of memorials and flowers, please honor Billy by doing what you can to make the world a more welcoming, loving place for all.