Bruce Michael Ames of Appleton, WI died suddenly February 16, 2026, at the age of 65. He was born on January 5, 1961, in Watertown, NY, to Walter S. and Isabel D. Ames. Bruce met his loving wife of 38 years, Judy Ames, at a college football game in Syracuse, NY. This is where they married in 1987 and welcomed their two sons, Walt and Jeremy Ames. They lived and worked in Syracuse until 1997, when they relocated to Appleton for Bruce to take a position at Heat and Power Products of Little Chute.

During his 28 years at Heat and Power Products, Bruce worked as a service technician, engineered sales consultant, and Vice President. Bruce was well respected in his field for his expertise, creativity, and mentorship.

Outside of work, Bruce dedicated himself to his family, friends, and neighbors. He was a coach, avid brewer, and car enthusiast.

Eternally curious and a fixer-of-things, Bruce never left a problem unsolved. He always left a place better than he found it.

He is survived by his wife (Judy), two devoted sons (Walt and Jeremy), and daughter-in-law (Ashley Ames). He is also survived by siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends of all ages.

He is proceeded in death by his parents (Walter and Isabel), son (John Ames), siblings (Jody Spooner and Brian Ames), and father-in-law (William Zaika).

A celebration of life for Bruce will be held at Wichmann Funeral Home in Appleton (537 N Superior St.) on March 21, 2026. The family will host visitors from 11am to 1pm, and a service will occur at 1pm where details for an off-site reception will be shared. Livestreaming will be available on the day of service. 

His family would like to thank the medical staff at Froedtert Hospital and ThedaCare of the Fox Cities for providing him excellent medical care.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask for donations to Kathy’s House in Milwaukee, WI – a hospital guest house where Bruce and Judy stayed during his earlier treatment for leukemia. Donations can be made to Kathy's House at www.kathys-house.org or by mailing a check to: 9100 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53226.

The family also encourages everyone to consider registering as a bone marrow donor through www.nmdp.org so that other families may benefit from the kindness of a stranger like they have.