Lawrence R. Kimpel

Lawrence R. Kimpel of Fond du Lac, WI, left this earth to join the love of his life, his wife Lois, on June 25, 2012. Larry was born on a houseboat in Oshkosh, WI, on August 28th 1917, to Albert R. and Josephine (Brunette) Kimpel. He graduated from Fond du Lac High School. On May 2, 1942 he married Lois Dunton in Fond du Lac, and they lived in loving dedication to each other until her passing in March of 1998. From June 1942 until after the war in 1945, Larry served as a Technical Sergeant with the US Army 95th Field Artillery Division during WWII in England, France, Germany and Belgium, and was involved in the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach. Upon returning from Europe, Larry and Lois built the family homestead in Fond du Lac and raised a family of five children: Sandra L. Summers, Lawrence A. (Nancy) Kimpel both of Fond du Lac, WI, Debra J. Horton of Berlin, WI, Steven T. Kimpel of Arlington, TX, and Douglas M. Kimpel of Fond du Lac,WI. Larry worked for Bordon as a Milk Route Driver, and then later until retirement as a delivery and maintenance man with the Fond du Lac Public School System. After retirement he drove school bus for Johnson Bus Company and L.P.P. Nichols Bus Company for many years. After his family, Larry's greatest love was music and he played tuba professionally for many years with several dance orchestras most notably the Wally Beau Orchestra, the Fond du Lac Military Band, and the Tripoli Shrine Mystic Airs Big Dance Band. Larry loved to travel, and rode tens of thousands of miles in the Sidecar of Doug's motorcycle, as well as car trips around the United State and Canada. Through his early 90's he was a dependant life-loving man and the life of any party. Larry was a proud member and Past Worshipful Master of Fond du Lac Lodge #140 Free and Accepted Masons, a 32' Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a Tripoli Shriner. He was honored with the rare Legion of Honor rank as an advisor with the DeMolay Masonic youth group. He was also an active member and P.R. Coordinator for the local chapter of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. He also belonged to the local chapters of the Order of Eastern Star and Amaranth. For many years he taught Sunday school at the Church of Peace and was later a leader of the AWANA youth group at the Gospel Tabernacle.Larry is survived by his 5 children, Sandy, Larry, Debbie, Steve and Doug; Grandchildren: L. Michael (Amy)Summers, Jason (Samantha) Kimpel, Misty Kimpel, Angela Summers, Shannon (Joel) Ratzel, Barbi (Scott) Henning, Lee (Jolene) Horton, Joey Horton (special friend Daniel Zettel), SaraBeth Horton, and Great-Grandchildren Lindsay and Ben Summers, David, Alexis & Damien Kimpel, Mason and McCoy Ratzel, Natalie & Mackenzie Zettel,, and Mikayla Curtis.He has a large extended family of niece, nephews, cousins and more, and a very special niece Dolores Sampson who has been one of his closest friends their whole lives.He is further survived by his 'great' grandKitties, Charlotte, Lady, Big Boy, Puddles and Nugget, who loved to visit him and his nursing home companion cats Smokey & Sylvia. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Lois, and his Brothers: William, Albert, Ervin, Ira, and Oscar. Sisters: Verna Linden, Eleanor Higgins, Bessie Kimpel and Erma Kimpel, He was also preceded in death by his beloved cats: Sheba, Bill the Cat & Tiger Tommy.



Visitation will be held on Thursday June 28th, from 5-6:30 P.M. at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home in Fond du Lac, WI. It will be a light-hearted fun time for remembrances and comfort with Larry's favorite music playing in the background. Masonic service will be held at 6:30 P.M. and Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. with the Reverend Gerald Schrankler officiating.Larry has been cremated and interment with full Military Honors will take place next to his beloved wife at Rienzi Cemetery in Fond du Lac, WI at a later date.The family would like to thank everyone at Deerview Meadows LLC Assisted Living where Larry resided for several years for such dedication, love and comfort. He couldn't have found a better place to live out his final years.Additional information and guestbook can be found at www.ueckerwit.comUecker-Witt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.