Bradley Browne Schinke, Appleton business owner and musician, dies at 55

Bradley B. Schinke dies in Appleton at age 55

Bradley Browne Schinke, a longtime business owner, musician, and community figure in the Appleton area, passed away on October 28, 2026, according to reports from Valley Funeral Home and Legacy.com. His death came just one day after he celebrated both his 55th birthday and his 31st wedding anniversary with his wife, Sheila.

Schinke’s life was deeply rooted in the local community, spanning roles as a small business owner, a local legislator, and a musician. For 21 years, he owned and operated Kamps Bar and Grill, a business that served as a central hub for local social connection. Beyond his personal business, he remained active in the regional hospitality sector, serving on the Outagamie Tavern League board of directors even after health challenges led him to conclude his active working years in 2018.

The loss of a long-standing business owner and civic official often leaves a void in the social fabric of a small municipality. Schinke served as a Village Trustee for Combined Locks, a position he maintained until his passing, highlighting a commitment to local governance and community stability.

A lifetime of music and community service

Music played a defining role in Schinke’s identity for over a decade. Between 1988 and 2003, he was a drummer for several local groups, including The Bar Boys, Turtle Creek, Sweetwater, Hill Billy Romeo, Talk of the Town, The That, and RPM. These 15 years of performance contributed to the local cultural landscape, creating lasting ties between musicians and audiences across the region.

His involvement in the hospitality industry was not merely professional but also philanthropic. In recognition of his interests, those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to donate to the Outagamie County Tavern League’s Safe Ride Program. This initiative focuses on community safety, a cause Schinke held dear throughout his tenure on the league’s board.

Family and personal milestones

The personal history of Schinke and his wife, Sheila, began in a high school gym class and culminated in a marriage on October 27, 1995. Over three decades, they raised a family that remained the primary focus of his life. He is survived by his wife and children, Jack (and wife Kaitlyn), Sophia (and fiancé Gavin Lueneburg), and Arthur. He was also a grandfather to Mavis.

Schinke’s family includes his parents, Gary and Margo; his brother, Jonathon (and Jessica); and sister-in-law, Sara. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tim Schinke, and his parents-in-law, Eugene and Casilda Stumpf, as well as brothers-in-law Ken and Donald Stumpf.

Memorial arrangements in Appleton and Kimberly

Family and friends will gather to honor Schinke’s life through a series of scheduled services in mid-November. According to Valley Funeral Home, the following arrangements have been set:

Bradley Browne Schinke, Appleton business owner and musician, dies at 55 — Photo: legacy.com

Visitation: Friday, November 13, 2026, from 2:00 pm at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N Richmond Street, Appleton.
Memorial Service: Friday, November 13, 2026, at 5:00 pm at Valley Funeral Home.
Celebration of Life: A gathering will continue following the service at Tanners Bar and Grill, 730 S Railroad Street, Kimberly.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family has requested that donations be directed toward a memorial fund or the Outagamie County Tavern League’s Safe Ride Program via the following link: https://tavernleagueofwisconsin.growthzoneapp.com/ap/contribute/zLEqKGL1.

“You were a wonderful person and you brought great joy to this world,” wrote Sheila, Jack, Sophia, and Arthur in a tribute to his impact on their lives.