Alexander Michael Kultgen passed away on October 5, 2020, from a pulmonary embolism and subsequent cardiac arrest. He was 34. Alex was an exceptionally caring and compassionate free spirit with a sharp, sarcastic wit. He grew up in Port Washington, Wisconsin, graduating from Port Washington High School in 2004. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he was a collegiate swimmer and voted team captain. In addition to his own athletic pursuits, Alex poured his heart into teaching swim lessons and coaching countless swimmers of all ages, including the men's and women's varsity teams at both UW-Whitewater and UW-La Crosse. Most recently, Alex was living in Colorado Springs working for USA Triathlon, while simultaneously applying to doctoral programs in the sports science field. Besides athletics, Alex had a keen interest in history, philosophy, politics, and human rights; he cared deeply about equality and exercising empathy for his fellow humans. He also cared about animals: during his time in south central Wisconsin, Alex was a dedicated supporter of Paddy's Paws, volunteering to foster numerous rescued dogs while they waited to find "forever homes". Alex is survived—and so dearly missed—by his proud and loving parents, Rick and Ruth Kultgen, brother Andy (Crystal) Kultgen, and sister Emily (Charlie) Harrison, as well as his adoring niece and nephew, Isabel and William, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Paddy's Paws are appreciated. https://paddyspaws.blogspot.com/p/donate.html A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 6:00 PM at Eernisse Funeral Home 1600 West Grand Avenue Port Washington, Wisconsin 53074. Chaplain Jim Langford will preside over the service. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until the time of service at 6:00 PM. To view the recording of Alex's service, please copy and paste the link below. The memorial service begins 17 minutes and 30 seconds into the recording. https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/y_ofh9A6NA77asu636gQibXUIIZyQiujVFDohDd27Wye-yLjabmrId1XQ2wASbNU.sT1yDHLsqYA6ryga?startTime=1602888365000