Ambrose A. Reihbandt, age 89 of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Golden Living Center - Continental Manor in Randolph.

Ambrose, who passed away on January 31, didn't have a full life- he had three or four full lives. He was born in Beaver Dam on May 17, 1923 to Emil and Agnes (nee Krueger). A child of the Depression he went to work at age 12 on a local farm to help support his family. He attended St. Michael's School and graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1940. At 18 he made his first long journey, a cross-country train trip to California for basic training. Within a few months Sgt. Reihbandt was serving in the European Theater during the height of WWII. The driver of a "dragon wagon" Ambrose was part of the 457th Ordnance Evacuation unit responsible for transporting tanks to the battlefield. He took part in the Invasion of Normandy, the Battle of Northern France, the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Central Europe. He served his country proudly and never thought what he did was extraordinary, it was just his duty. After the war, he returned to Beaver Dam, built a home he would live in for nearly 50 years, raised two daughters and started a career as a rural mail carrier. He loved his job as a postman because it allowed him to travel the roads and interact with the people of his community. By 1978 he had worked for the post office for 34 years and logged 333,000 miles through the county roads of rural route 3 of Beaver Dam.

Then around the time that most men are retiring, Ambrose met and married Susan and soon again found himself the father of two young children. Rather than slowing down, a 60 year-old Ambrose became a Little League baseball coach and Zamboni driver. He also started a second career as a bus driver for Banes Bus Service. Today, an entire generation of Beaver Dam students, now adults, remember the kind man who made sure they got safely to school each day.
As he reached his 70's Ambrose again found a way to bring a little joy to his community, this time as a crossing guard at Jefferson School. He made sure that each child not only got across the street but also got a little joke or compliment that made them smile to begin their day.

Into his 80's Ambrose continued to enjoy his love of gardening, became a grandfather again and continued to attend army reunions with the men who had fought together nearly 60 years earlier. He belonged to the St. Michael's Holy Name Society, N.A.R.F.E, and the Retired Rural Letter Carriers. He was a member of the VFW for 68 years and took part in the Memorial Day parade until 2012. In 2011, he and son Paul took part in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Never one to just sit around, Ambrose proudly acted as the main daycare provider for his
grandson Carter even as he passed his 89th birthday. Ambrose spent his final days surrounded by family and friends at Golden Living rehabilitation in Randolph. In the short time he was there he made numerous friends, but that isn't surprising—Ambrose had many aspects to his life but in all he drew people to him and did what he could to make sure he could bring something positive to their day.

Ambrose is survived by Susan, his loving wife of 35 years; his son Paul (Heidy) Reihbandt of Cambria; his daughters Kathy Reihbandt of Madison, Patricia Fredrick of Ripon, and Teresa (Jason Mishelow) Drews of Milwaukee; and his four cherished grandchildren: M. Dan Fredrick of Ripon, Carter Ambrose Reihbandt of Cambria, and Harper and Stella Mishelow of Milwaukee. He is further survived by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ambrose was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Agnes "Toots" Schroeder; his brothers, Joseph, Walter, Emil Jr., Leo and John; his nephews, Gary and Jim; and niece, Lori Lenz.

Visitation for Ambrose will take place on Sunday, February 3, 2013 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., in Beaver Dam. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Monday, February 4, 2013 at 11:00 AM at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 408 S. Spring St., Beaver Dam, with a visitation 1 hour prior to the Mass with Fr. Mike Erwin officiating. A luncheon will take place at the American Legion Hall, Post 146, 300 Beichl Ave., Beaver Dam, immediately following the Mass. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery with military honors.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.