John Kimpel Obituary

KIMPEL - John G. Kimpel, U.S. Navy First Class NAV ET (Ret.), 73 of Kingsland, Ga., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 23, 2024. 
John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Alida Kimpel, who will miss him dearly, as well as his children, Christopher Kimpel and Valerie Nelson, and stepchildren, Laura (Dirk) VanEnkevort, Elena (Dan) Phillips, Barbara (Greg) Larson and Alan (Mary) Luchay. He is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings and other family and friends.
John was born in Fond du Lac, Wis., to parents Frederick Kimpel and Bernice (LeDuc) Kimpel. He attended schools in Milwaukee, Wis., and Powers, Mich., then Bay College in Escanaba, Mich. He worked as a machinist/forklift driver before joining the U.S. Navy in 1980, where he served for 20 years as a NAV Electronics Technician aboard the USS Casimer Pulaski (SSBN 63), USS Simon Lake (AS33), USS West Virginia (SSBN 736 Gold) and instructor at Trident Training Facility (Kings Bay, Ga.) before retiring honorably in 2000.
John was a lifelong automobile and motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed bowling, billiards, playing video games, cribbage and other card games. He and Alida loved and took much pride in their home, which they shared with their cats, Mitsi and Sam, as well as with many other beloved pets over the years.
A Celebration of Life service for John is planned for Jan. 18, 2025, at the VFW Post 8385 in Kingsland, Ga. 
Donations in John's honor may be made to VFW Post 8385 of Kingsland, Ga.; the Humane Society of Camden County (950 S. Grove Blvd., Kingsland, Ga.); or Canines for Warriors (k9sforwarriors.org).
Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.