June 20, 2018 – Kewaskum, WI – There was a nice dedication memorial for Larry Ammel at River Hill Park in Kewaskum on Tuesday night. The event included a dedication of the recently refurbished band stand along with a memorial stone in honor of Larry Ammel, who passed away April 16, 2017 at the age of 73.
Ammel moved to Kewaskum in 1973. He served as the high school band director and adviser to a large number of student groups in Kewaskum until his retirement in 1999.
He was an active member of the Kewaskum community serving on the village board, Kiwanis Club, American Red Cross, Big Band, Kettle Moraine Symphony and the Kewaskum Area Arts Council.
He served as Choir Director at Peace United Church of Christ for over 30 years, where he directed the chancel choir, women’s choir and men’s choir. He was instrumental in the formation of the local group, the “Ecumen”, a men’s choir consisting of men from multiple communities and denominations.
The ceremony was presented by the Kewaskum Kiwanis Club.
The ceremony was followed by a concert by the Goodtime Dutchmen at Music in the Park.
Colin DeYoung was recognized for painting the bandstand as part of his Eagle Scout project.
In the days since his passing his family has been contacted by many of his former students, expressing not only their condolences for his passing, but sharing how he touched their lives in meaningful and irrevocable ways. They described his role as their teacher and mentor citing how “Mr. Ammel” was the one that listened, encouraged, and believed in them when they needed it most.
