John R. Armbruster

John Armbruster unexpectedly passed away early in the morning on June 20, 2024 while at home with his loving wife Pat by his side. He was born on April 10, 1952 to Robert and Mary Aileen (Behnke) Armbruster.

John was full of life and a quiet hero. He touched many lives in his hometown of Cedarburg. John was a graduate of Cedarburg High School, class of 1970. After graduating from Marquette University in 1974, John chose to move back to help with the family business. After college, John's love of basketball found him coaching the Cedarburg High School Freshman Boys Basketball team and announcing basketball games on WGLB radio. It seems only fitting John would meet physical education teacher, Patricia Theis, in 1984 after responding to an ad she put in the newspaper looking for a Special Olympics basketball coach. Not only did this result in John being known as “Coach John” for the next 40 years to numerous Special Olympics athletes, but he met his lifelong companion, marrying Pat in 1986.

John and Pat later welcomed their dear daughters Anna Marie and Alina to their family. John’s biggest smiles would eventually come hearing yells of “Grandpa!” from his three grandchildren John “Jack”, William, and MaryAnn. John was a lifelong member of Saint Francis Borgia Catholic Parish. As a father and grandfather, he passed along his deep faith, imitating Jesus through love and service above all else. Their lasting memory will be his genuine honesty, thoughtfulness, and generosity towards others.

John was immensely respected by his colleagues in the jewelry industry. As the owner of Armbruster Jewelers, he continued the longstanding legacy they have in Cedarburg as they entered their 140th year in business this year. It was his lifelong passion. John will be remembered by those who knew him professionally as a man with deep expertise and integrity, a true master. John’s belief was they were there to serve the community. The success of their business did not need to be based on exclusivity and he would find a way to offer something of value for everyone. He considered it a blessing to be a part of the many life events that would be commemorated with his work.

His service outside of work involved his board memberships on the Greater Cedarburg Community Foundation, Ozaukee County Special Olympics, Mel’s Charities, Wisconsin Jewelers Association, and Port Washington State Bank. For many years, John also was a Big Brother through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

John was a lifelong learner as well as a lover of music and literature. He rarely missed an opportunity to see Bob Dylan in concert when touring through the area. He enjoyed the many conversations and friendships that developed over the years sharing unique and rare knowledge of early rock musicians over the counter at the store.

Anyone around the Cedarburg community long enough would eventually cross paths with John. He would often be seen out at a fish fry, swimming at the pool, taking his grandkids to the park, or in the stands of a Cedarburg High School basketball game. He embodied exactly what makes Cedarburg special: A community is not only about nice houses, nice restaurants, or thriving small businesses. It is about the experiences shared together and how we can lean on those around us in times of celebration or need.

John left the world a better place. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched although he will no longer walk the streets of Cedarburg.

John was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Mary Aileen (Behnke) Armbruster and in-laws Ray and Jeanette Theis. He is survived by his wife Pat (Theis); daughters: Anna Marie (Andrew) Whaley and Alina; his adoring grandchildren: John “Jack”, William, and MaryAnn. He is further survived by his siblings: Joan Shipman, Wendy Diaz, and Peter (Therese) Armbruster along with several beloved nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024 – 6:30 PM at St. Francis Borgia North Catholic Church 1375 Covered Bridge Rd. Cedarburg. Interment will be in the Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 2:30 PM – 6:15 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the John R. Armbruster Memorial Fund at Port Washington State Bank are appreciated. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.muellerfuneralhome.com