Kevin Milbach, age 68, of Appleton, passed away from a sudden cardiac event at his home on Thursday, April 30, 2026. He was born to Aubrey Milbach and Nancy (Jacobs) Milbach on August 8, 1957, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Kevin graduated from Appleton West High School with the Class of 1975. He built a long and dedicated career in the paper industry, beginning his work in a paper mill and going on to earn his degree in pulp and paper science. He worked for Gilbert Paper, American Tissue, Target Marketing Worldwide, and Convermat before starting his own international consulting firm, which allowed him to travel extensively.
On September 21, 1979, Kevin married Kathleen Ann (Kohl) Milbach and they were blessed with a son, Nelson Hunter Milbach, in June of 1993. Kevin was known for his outgoing nature and generous spirit. He made connections easily and left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of knowing him. He enjoyed crafting his own fishing lures and took pride in fishing exclusively with those he made himself. He found great joy in time spent in the Northwoods, especially fishing Pelican Lake with friends and family, where many lasting memories were made. He served as a boater and hunter safety instructor, was a dedicated Boy Scout leader, and was a proud supporter of Nelson's academic and athletic pursuits. He also enjoyed woodworking and cabinet building, where his craftsmanship and attention to detail were evident in the pieces he created. Kevin supported and mentored friends from India, developing lasting relationships that were meaningful to him.
Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Milbach; his beloved son, Dr. Nelson Hunter Milbach (Harper Brandt); his dear sister, Merit Rose Milbach (Lance Steffen); his mother-in-law, Lorraine (Sprangers) Kohl; brothers and sisters-in-law: Dan and Sharon Kohl, Tony and Joan Kohl, Ann and Jim Appleton, Betty and Peter Bosch, Louis and Barb Kohl, Rose and Richard Heiman, Pat and Dan Michalkiewicz, and Marie and Bill Becker; nieces and nephews, Greg, Michelle, Julie, Debbie, Carl, Olivia, Clarke, Rebecca, Rachael, Mason, Marissa, Will, and Joe; great-nieces and nephews: Emma, Max, Jenna, Anna, Charlotte, Reese, Grant, Brooke, Zach, Owen, Aiden, Malia, and Abrham; and family friends, Jagpreet Kaur Bhant and Harmit Singh Bhant.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey and Nancy Milbach; father-in-law, Jerome Norman Kohl and nephew, Lyndon VanderZanden.
A celebration of Kevin's life will be held at Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel, on Sat., May 9, 2026. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., with a service and luncheon to follow. Kevin's legacy of generosity continues through the gift of organ donation.