71, longtime Superior area resident, currently the Town of Superior, died Friday, Nov. 23, 2007, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth.
He was born in Superior Aug. 18, 1936, the son of Joseph and Kathryn ( Kieffer) Kimmes.
He attended schools and graduated from the former Cathedral High School in Superior.
During his career, Kimmes founded, purchased and operated a variety of local companies including Joe P. Kimmes Oil, Tire and Propane; J. Kimmes Construction Inc.; the Prime Steer restaurant and Lakehead Blacktop and Materials. He also accumulated extensive land holdings through his realty company, including property along South Tower Avenue plus parcels adjoining Nemadji Golf Course. He also owned and operated a cattle farm south of Superior and launched housing developments at the former Stardusk Theater site and in Billings Park.
Joe married his wife, Kathleen "Chatty" Stalvig on Oct. 20, 1972 in Superior and celebrated 35 years of marriage.
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In addition to his wife Chatty, who resides in the Town of Superior, he is survived by two daughters, Kathi "Peachie" (Tim) Schmid and Lori (Shawn) Buttrick; three sons, Tom (Michelle) Kimmes, Lester "Bob" (Crystal) Johnson, all of Superior, and Peter (Jill) Kimmes, Lake Nebagamon; and two daughters-in-law, Julie Kimmes and Mary Lundberg-Kimmes. Joe is also survived by 27 grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Delores Loomis of California, two brothers Arnold (Tomoko) Kimmes, in California and Ray (Ruth) Kimmes of Frederic; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathleen; two sons, Joseph P. Kimmes III and Scott Kimmes, his parents, and one brother, Wilfred "Bill" Kimmes.
He was a longtime active member of Holy Assumption Catholic Church and also attended St. William's Catholic Church. Joe loved working on the family farm. Joe also enjoyed his home in Arizona and his boat rides on the Colorado River in his boat "The Wild Cat Chatty."
Joe "lived" his Catholic faith. He was an extremely generous individual in many areas throughout his life and loved providing assistance to anyone in need.
Visitation begins after 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Ave., Superior, where a Catholic prayer service will be held at 8 p.m.
Visitation continues at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church in Superior, until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial. The Rev. Fr. Ronald Olson, Rev. Fr. Daniel Dahlberg, Rev. Fr. Edward Meulemans, Rev. Fr. James Jackson and Rev. Fr. Kevin Gordon will concelebrate the Mass.
Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Superior.
Pallbearers for the funeral service will be Ray Kimmes Jr., Butch Erickson, Ed Eliason, Jim Bjortomt, Marshall Weems and Alex Grymala. Chris Litchke will be recognized as an honorary pallbearer.
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Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Joseph P. Kimmes Memorial Fund in care of Holy Assumption Catholic Church or St. William's Catholic Church.
