Obituary
Harry Wayne Kimmerle, aged 81, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on June 19, 2016 in Port Orange, Florida. Harry was born in Rowley, Iowa on September 15, 1934 to Fred and Jennie Kimmerle, both deceased. Harry had three brothers, James, Ralph and Norman, all of whom preceded him in death, and an older sister, Ruth Fry, who resides in Olwein, Iowa.
Harry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alicia Helen (Irish) Kimmerle; two of his daughters, Kristi Crudup and Shelly Fradet; and five grandchildren, Matthew Zemel, Kellie and Jessica Greene, and Emily and Andrew Fradet. Harry’s eldest daughter, Sheryl Greene, preceded him on January 28, 2016.
Harry was born and raised on a dairy farm in Rowley, Iowa and graduated from Independence High School. He joined the United States Army and served for two years in Korea. After military service, Harry and his brother Norman owned and operated Kimmerle’s Sinclair service station in Independence, Iowa. This is where he met his wife, Alicia, a beautiful and spirited nursing student training at a nearby hospital. They married in 1958 in Toledo, Iowa.
In 1963, Harry sold his business and joined Montgomery Ward, managing an automotive center in Marshalltown, Iowa. He continued in the automotive field with J.C. Penney and Firestone until 1985. His career took him from Iowa, to Missouri, then Nebraska, and finally Florida. In 1986, Harry changed careers and became a successful real estate broker. Along with his wife, he opened his own real estate office in Lighthouse Point, Florida. Harry and Alicia sold their business in 1999 and semi-retired in Port Orange.
Harry was first and foremost a family man. He was honest, hardworking and extremely patriotic. Travel was his passion, especially in the west and in particular, Las Vegas. He loved animals and nature. He loved to talk with friends and family, tell stories and give advice. He was a loving husband, father, friend, and was “Papa Bear” to his grandchildren. He remained deeply committed to his family until the end. Harry will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
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