June 15, 2018 – Kewaskum, WI – It was April 16, 2017 when word started spreading across the small community of Kewaskum that Larry Ammel, 73, had died.
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.
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.
Coming up June 19 there will be a dedication memorial for Larry Ammel at River Hill Park in Kewaskum. The event gets underway at 6 p.m.
The recently refurbished band stand will be dedicated and there will be a memorial stone in honor of Ammel.
The ceremony is presented by the Kewaskum Kiwanis Club. The ceremony will take place before the Goodtime Dutchmen play for Music in the Park.
