A. J. Rees

Andrew Gerard Rees Jr., fondly known as A.J., was born on September 19, 1997, and passed away on May 14, 2025. A.J. is survived by his loving parents, Andrew and Tami, his sisters, Abby and Ashley, grandparents Janet & Dan Pieschel, Anita (late, Joe) Rees, and Linda (late Terry) Kesselring, and many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

A.J. had a unique way of showing his love, but his affection for his family was unwavering. From a young age, A.J. was a natural athlete. Growing up in a neighborhood full of friends, he could always be found outside playing wiffle ball, football, basketball, kickball, or any other game imaginable.

A.J. developed a passion for baseball early on, excelling as a catcher. He loved stealing bases and never shied away from daring to steal home plate, earning the nickname “Crazy Legs.” Basketball was another love, and despite not hitting his growth spurt until his junior year of high school, he proudly showcased his three-point shot. He never backed down from a game of one- on-one with his sisters in the driveway, helping nurture their love and understanding of the game. Throughout all A.J.’s life he enjoyed playing golf, frequently playing with his grandfather’s and friends.

A.J. was a proud graduate of Covington Catholic High School Class of 2016 and loved being a part of the brotherhood making lifelong friends. One of his favorite memories from Cov Cath was his retreat to Wyoming.

As A.J. grew, his love for music flourished. He was rarely without his headphones, exploring every genre with enthusiasm. Self-taught and determined, he quickly learned the piano, filling the house with beautiful melodies. His guitar journey was slower, but his perseverance paid off, and his dedication never wavered.

A.J. was truly one of a kind—marching to the beat of his own drum with a passion and zest for life that were uniquely his. He never met a stranger, effortlessly making friends and spreading kindness to everyone he encountered. His welcoming smile, complete with dimples, often pinched as a child, could light up any room. A.J. had a great sense of humor, often telling jokes and doing pranks that brought laughter to those around him. A.J. had a heart of gold that could be felt by all of those around him, which will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Middendorf Funeral Home. His celebration of life mass will take place on Friday, May 23, at 11:30 AM at St. Agnes Church.

A.J. courageously battled mental health and substance abuse challenges for many years. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to North Key in A.J.’s name. https://www.northkey.org/donate/