Ethan K. “Dex” Dexheimer, 22, living in Milwaukee and from Palmyra, passed away as the result of injuries sustained in a car accident on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Dex was born on Nov. 14, 2001 in Phoenix, Arizona, the son of Gary and Kristine (Kaufman) Dexheimer. He grew up in Palmyra and graduated from Palmyra-Eagle High School with the class of 2019.
Dex was naturally talented, and many things came easy to him. He took up Ballroom Dancing and eventually competed at Nationals. He was also a talented pianist and loved music of all types. After high school, Dex continued his schooling at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater where he studied Entrepreneurship and Music. He also learned Welding and Metal Fabrication at MATC.
Dex worked in a number of different industries during his young life. He was a Ballroom Dance instructor, Welder, and most recently worked at Jimmy John’s. While he had his regular work, he was always collecting, buying, and selling things on the side. He owned many vehicles prior to being able to drive, and had a keen eye and knack for acquiring items that he could flip for a profit, often times keeping the items that were too good to sell. He also purchased a classic Airstream Camper that he lived in at his grandparent’s property for a summer.
While he had so many interests, Dex’s love for people was the most important thing in his life. He had a kind heart, a love for all things fun, and appreciated others. He could make friends with just about anyone and hold a conversation on pretty much any topic. He also had a special connection to animals, both tame and wild, and was always willing to help a friend, neighbor, stranger or animal in need. Dex was truly one of a kind, as his loving family remembers, “he was the light of our life.” And he will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family and friends.
Dex is survived by his parents, Gary and Kristine Dexheimer of Palmyra; his fiance, Makayla Reed of Milwaukee; his paternal grandmother, Gerda Dexheimer of Oconomowoc; and his aunts and uncles, Christa (Mike) Weygandt of Pardeeville, Kirk (Kathe) Dexheimer of Sullivan, and Kevin (Sharon) Kaufman of Lake Mills. He is also survived by a number of cousins, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Donald Dexheimer, Arnold “Skip” Dexheimer, Ken Kaufman, Sheila Tippins and Tom Tippins.
A Celebration of Dex’s life will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Gibson Family Funeral Home, 4999 Elkhorn Rd., Eagle. Visitation will take place from 3 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. A reception will follow the service.
Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit gibsonfuneral.com.
