Ambrose "AJ" Schmitz

Ambrose “AJ” Schmitz passed away Thursday evening, March 14, 2024 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice; he was 87 years old.

Ambrose was born December 4, 1936 in Milwaukee, the son of Peter and Alice (Nix) Schmitz. He at attended school at St. John’s in Plymouth, and graduated from Plymouth High School in 1955. He went on to earn an Associate’s Degree.

AJ served his country in the Air Force, Navy, and Air National Guard from 1955-1993, and received many different performance recognition awards during his tenure. He retired as Senior Master Sergeant after 38 years in reserves, and was a proud member of the Sheboygan Falls American Legion Post #149 and local TREA.

On February 4, 1961, AJ was united in marriage with Kathleen Kestell at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Plymouth. The couple celebrated their 63^rd wedding anniversary this year.

From 1955-1995, AJ worked as an engineer for GTE of WI. He later worked for RW Engineers LLC until his retirement in 2014.  As a side gig, he used his creative talents to letter signs for extra family income.

AJ’s hobbies included auto racing, football, college hockey, and customized cars.  He was a hands on mechanical handyman of all trades who enjoyed woodworking, drawing, traveling, and family events. He was generous and selfless, always helping others in need before they could even ask.

AJ is survived by his wife Kathleen and their sons Daniel, Darren and David Schmitz; daughter-in-law Ann Schmitz, grandchildren Kari Ann Schmitz, Kaitlin (Evan) Johnson, Jacob Schmitz and Joshua Schmitz; great-grandchildren Amber and Cody Johnson; many brothers and sisters-in-law; other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Sister Magdalena, his foster parents Harriet and Clarence Arndt, his parents-in-law Melroy and Helen (Gahagan) Kestell, and his in-laws Diane, William, Donald, and John Kestell.

A private family memorial service will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park at a future date.

The family wants to thank Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their care and the Clergy of Blessed Trinity and Wauwatosa Community Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice and Blessed Trinity in Sheboygan Falls.

Wenig Funeral Home – Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.wenigfh.com for online condolences.