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 could make people feel welcomed and valued. His big, 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, 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, swimming, and surfing in Lake Michigan. He loved to travel, having visited China, Costa Rica, New York City, and the West Coast. Jack had been training for his first triathlon this September — his three friends will each take part to honor him.

Jack is survived by his mother, Jill Engel of Milwaukee; grandmother Susie Engel; grandmother 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 (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; 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:

Pius XI High School Visual Arts Department. www.piusxi.org/giving

Highland Community Montessori School (eighth-grade Costa Rica trip)

• Online: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ETGB82NTRN3JL — please indicate the gift is in Jack's name
• By check: Make checks payable to Highland Community School and mail to: Highland Community School, Attn: Development, 1706 West Highland Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233

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