Jeffrey D. Aldrich

Jeffrey Dennis Aldrich, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, lived a full and generous life as a son, father, brother, uncle, husband, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was all of these things, and so much more, to everyone who knew him. With a very big personality and spirit and energy, Jeff had a beautiful and simple outlook on life, family, work, and love. He believed deeply in being kind, being honest, and being generous, and he lived those values every day.

Jeff began working early in life, taking his first job at sixteen at his local gas station. He enjoyed working on cars and developed a lifelong appreciation for hard work and hands-on problem-solving. His Wisconsin years were full of excitement, friendships, and stories he would recount with humor and pride.

Jeff had the honor of serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. He often spoke of these years with awe; his experiences in the Army shaped him for life. He said that if he hadn’t been wounded in action, he would have stayed in the Army forever.

After returning from Vietnam and recovering from his injuries, Jeff married his first wife, Barbara, and together they had two sons, Jason and Joshua. Jeff worked for Kinney Shoe and the Woolworth Company, steadily ascending through the ranks. He was promoted and transferred all around the United States and enjoyed this part of his working career. No matter where he lived, he remained loyal to Brewers baseball and Packers football, and he always retained his Wisconsin “accent.”

Later in life, Jeff changed professions and went to work for Baillet Jewels in New York City. This job allowed him to travel extensively throughout the world, broadening his experiences and friendships. In 1991, Jeff fulfilled a dream when he began teaching tennis. He was an excellent tennis player; energetic, patient, and deeply dedicated to the sport. Teaching tennis brought him great enjoyment.

Jeff met his third and last wife, Dana, at tennis, and they became great friends and formed a strong working relationship. They became a couple in 2005 and were married in 2023. Their relationship was their priority. A deep love, understanding, and connection between them was so very obvious to anyone who knew them as a couple.

Jeff is survived by his cherished family, who will remain forever grateful for the love, wisdom, and guidance he gave them. He leaves behind his loving wife, Dana Aldrich; his sons Jason Aldrich and Joshua Aldrich; Jason's wife Jamie Aldrich; his granddaughter Jordan Ziemann and her husband Chandler; his grandson Alex Aldrich and his wife Taylor Nelson; and his great-granddaughter Zoey Ziemann.

Jeff was also a proud stepfather to:

• Dylan Kelly and Dylan’s girlfriend Dominique Parkes,
• Ryan Kelly and Ryan’s wife Emily Yelverton.

He embraced them as family and supported them with the same devotion he gave to everyone he loved.

Jeff is survived by his siblings:

• Brother Tony Aldrich, and Tony’s children Eric and Dustin, daughter-in-law Jennifer, and niece Lauren
• Sister Alice Sarlitto, her husband Glenn, and their son Ian
• Sister Kim Rourke, her husband Les, and their daughters Erin, Kelly, Katie, and Mullaney
• Brother Scott Aldrich and his wife Mary Puchek

Those who knew Jeff remember him as wise, sensitive, and strong and one of the kindest and most understanding people in their lives. He loved quickly and fully. He supported, guided, and encouraged others, always offering his wholehearted honesty. It was said that he could have given a great lecture on being happy in life.

His values remain as a legacy to those he leaves behind: Be kind. Be honest. Be generous. Walk hand-in-hand with pride. Live life in the moment. Love deeply with your whole heart.

Jeff will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.