John Francis Engel-Kaminsky

John Francis "Jack" Engel-Kaminsky, 24, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away suddenly on August 8, 2026.

Born February 20, 2002, Jack had the ability to make people feel welcome and valued. His big and beautiful blue eyes would light up a room, along with his infectious smile.  As a kid he was known as the "Mayor of Newhall Street," a nickname that later became the "Mayor of Riverwest."

He attended Highland Community Montessori School and graduated from Pius XI High School in 2020.

Jack was a gifted photographer who spent his time documenting Milwaukee and the people around him. He had savant-like qualities in his connection with his bike, effortlessly pulling off tricks, riding with his Milly Mob friends on Wheelie Wednesdays and in the Riverwest 24 each year. Harley-Davidson hired him to perform bike tricks for their E-Bike Chomper Series, and he appeared in Lex Allen's "Let's Go" music video.

He loved motorcycles, and building and riding fixed-gear bicycles. He was currently refurbishing his 1973 Triumph Convertible. He worked as a welding technician for Rite-Hite and spent much of his free time in his garage and welding studio, building his own DIY creations.

He loved the family farm in Door County, visits with family in Lincoln, Nebraska, hunting morels, cooking, gardening, and swimming and surfing in Lake Michigan. He traveled to China, Costa Rica, New York, and the West Coast. He had been training for his first triathlon this September — three friends will run it as a relay team in his honor.

Jack is survived by his mother, Jill Engel of Milwaukee; grandmothers Susie Engel and Janice Portsche; aunt Carrie Engel; great-aunts and uncles Mike Engel (Bonnie) and Tyler Wentz (Julie); cousins Ella O'Gorman, Paige and Campbell Wentz, and Jeffrey and Amy Engel; and his Lincoln, Nebraska family.

He is also survived by his father, Joseph Kaminsky (partner Anita Bayliff); Julia, Olivia, Ty, and Pierce McClain, step-siblings; aunts and uncles Bonnie Wagner (Paul), John Kaminsky (Susan), Mary Jo Bodden (Dennis), Peter Kaminsky (Karen), Paul Kaminsky (Diane Ciotti), and Michael Kaminsky; and numerous cousins.

He is also survived by his special friend, Natalie Redding, and family friends, Laila Matinian and Beth Wellinghoff.

He was preceded in death by grandfather Gary Engel, great-aunt Linda Wentz, aunt Jenny Engel, and grandparents Joseph F. and Jane Kaminsky.

An open house Celebration of Jack's Life will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Amorphic Beer, 3700 N Fratney St, Milwaukee, WI, with a time to share stories at 3 p.m., followed by a tribute ride through Riverwest in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's name to the Pius XI High School Art Department (photography and Travel Abroad programs), Highland Community Montessori School (eighth-grade Costa Rica trip), and the Riverwest 24.

Jack was creative, funny, and kind, and he'll be deeply missed by his family and friends.