Michael Ambos Obituary

Michael Dale "Mike" Ambos

Oct 12, 1966 - Oct 12, 2025

Sandusky

Michael "Mike" Dale Ambos, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2025, his 59th birthday, in Hong Kong. He was surrounded by his loving family from both Hong Kong and Ohio. His death came as a shock to all, following an aggressive diagnosis of pancreatic cancer just 36 days prior.

Mike made Hong Kong his cherished home since 2003, drawn there by his deep affection for Asian cultures, an affinity he developed while traveling the world in his 20s and 30s. It was there he met the love of his life, Kimmy Kwan. They married in 2006, and Mike proudly became a devoted dad to her children, Gorby and Abby. He was recently described as "the best husband and best dad with the biggest heart," a testament to the life he built and the family he adored.

Born and raised in Ohio, Mike graduated from Perkins High School in 1985, maintaining close friendships throughout his life. He had been enthusiastically planning to attend his 40th class reunion in Sandusky this month until his diagnosis. He launched his career as a mechanical engineer at Whirlpool Clyde plant after graduating from the University of Dayton in 1990. After earning an MBA from Indiana University South Bend, he transitioned into product development at Whirlpool headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to Asia, where he created his own successful company that designed, produced, and marketed consumer goods sold worldwide.

Mike truly loved life and had a vibrant passion for adventure. He enjoyed good food, good booze, and good times and was always ready to explore a new corner of the world. He was full of great tales about his many hobbies, which included scuba diving across the globe, dancing to live music every Saturday night in Hong Kong, and his appreciation of rich red wines and Scotch. Even closer to home, he kept active, hiking the HK peak and discovering the city's infinite hidden gems.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Kimmy Kwan; and his stepchildren, Gorby and Abby. He is also survived by his mother, Bonny (Dale) Ambos of Sandusky; his brothers, Mark (Carie) Ambos of Sandusky, Marty (Kate) Ambos of Knoxville, Tennessee, Eric (Karen) Larson of Apple Valley, Minnesota; and his niece, Courtnee (Logan) Ambos-Brauer of Cuyahoga Falls.

He is preceded in death by his father, Dale Ambos; grandparents, Edward and Gert Fraas (Archbold), Ernest and Marion Ambos (Sandusky); and nephew Stone Ambos (Sandusky).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory to the following organizations, Perkins Athletic Boosters, American Cancer Society, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, or Stein Hospice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sandusky Register on Oct. 22, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ambos

7 Entries

Marty Ambos

November 5, 2025

There will be a Celebration of Life on November 22nd in Sandusky, Ohio. 4310 Woodridge Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870. Please feel to share as appropriate.

Brian Johns Brian Johns

October 29, 2025

Mike was larger than life. Met him in China/HK and became best mates and shared many a drink and story, especially at Joe Bananas and more. Working together to create so many great things and memories. So much fun. I'll miss you brother.

Hannah Groscost Kennedy

October 24, 2025

So sorry to hear of your loss. Thought and prayers to the family.

Cyndy Carrier-Vajda

October 23, 2025

My most sincere condolences to all of Mike's family and friends.

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Toni Wierzba-Majer

October 22, 2025

Sadden by this news....meet Mike way back in grade school @ summer recreation. He was always kind, funny and fun to be around. Sending his family sincere condolences and may you treasure the fond memories.

Kathy Kirby

October 22, 2025

So very shocked to see that Mike had passed away. I worked with his Dad at Huron City Schools for several years. I had the greatest pleasure to watch Mike and his 3 brothers. It was a wild night !! Our deepest sympathy to all of Mike´s family.
Fondly, Kathy & Tom Kirby & Family

Dave Fraas

October 21, 2025

Mike was larger than life. As the oldest grandchild and me the youngest, we used to argue endlessly about who was Grandma Fraas´ favorite. I told him the evidence was overwhelming-it was clearly me. He´d grin, shake his head, and insist Grandma just pretended to like me more because I was little. Deep down, though, I think we both knew the real answer depended on who was asking Grandma that day.

I have so many memories of seeing Mike almost every year at the Fraas family Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Those gatherings were always special, and Mike was at the heart of them. I could always count on him to tease his brother Marty for his slow euchre play, but when it was my turn to take a little too long, Mike would just give me a kind wink and let it slide.

One of my earliest memories of him was at one of those family celebrations, when he made me a "cage" out of a cardboard box for a stuffed animal I´d gotten that year. It´s funny how a small moment like that can last a lifetime-forty years later, I can still picture him doing it.

When I got older and moved to Chicago, Mike was living in Hong Kong, but whenever he came back, he´d take me out to explore hidden gems around the city-some of which are still my favorites today. He had a storage locker in Chicago and would always rope me into helping him move things around. In return, he´d hand off a few treasures: a well-stocked liquor collection that fueled the best Halloween party my roommates and I ever threw, and a cordless drill set from his company that I still use twenty years later. (That drill is as solid as he was.)

As life went on, we didn´t get to see each other as often. I guess I always thought there´d be more time. I´m so sorry for his loss, and I hope his family can take comfort in remembering all the good times and the many ways he made life brighter for everyone who knew him.

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