Michael Kimmerle passed away Sunday January 29, 2017 at home, surrounded by family after a long battle with a rare brain cancer. He is survived by his wife of thirty nine years, Sara; children Amy Kimmerle-Ash (DeAndre) and Megan Bowman (Craig); siblings John (Angela) and Dave (Regina), brothers-in-law Eric, Pete and Brock Willis, mother-in-law Amy “Gobby” Willis and his loving dog Lucy. He was preceded in death by his parents Frances “Flynnie” and Benjamin “TimBuck” Kimmerle, brother-in-law Dana Willis, and father-in-law Bob Willis.
Michael (often lovingly referred to as “MK”) Kimmerle was born February 16, 1953 in Springfield Ohio, to his parents Benjamin & Frances Kimmerle. There with his older brother John and younger brother Dave, the family maintained an active family life in small town Ohio. He graduated from Springfield North High in 1972. Mike specifically enjoyed Boy Scouts, pursuing it into his late teens and even traveling abroad as a Life Scout. Mike maintained the Boy Scout motto of “to help people at all times, keep physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight” throughout his adult life.
Mike moved to Ann Arbor which is where he met and married Sara. Their love was rarely paralleled but often admired. Mike famously used the term “cosmic” to explain their everlasting bond which lasted until his last breath was taken. They together formed a family with daughters Amy and Megan. As a family, the Kimmerles enjoyed traveling, camping, playing cards and having family get-togethers at their home which Mike partially built and was very proud of. His children remember him as a kind, gentle, patient, hard-working, and optimistic father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Mike coached softball teams for both girls throughout their elementary and high school years, totaling eight years. He was a patient and beloved coach who always believed in giving every kid a chance to play and grow.
Mike was a carpenter by trade, which was a skill he watched his father do as well. He loved the idea of creating something and was known to put in a hard day’s work without batting an eye. He enjoyed the camaraderie of working in a crew and loved the people he met along the way. Mike often spent his time making things for others as well as fixing things around the house. Mike was also known to help others when things needed to get done and thoroughly enjoyed being able to spread generosity when he could.
In addition to carpentry, Mike enjoyed music of all kinds, but specifically classic rock. He was never far from a radio, even one he built himself. Being from Ohio, Mike was a devout fan of both the Cleveland Browns and Ohio State and would often embellish his personal items in brown and orange or scarlet and gray. Mike also loved the game of pool and enjoyed playing on Tuesdays with his longtime friends at End of the Park.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate the life of Mike on Saturday, February 11th from 1:00 pm through 4:30 pm at Farinas Banquet Center (phone: 248- 546-7800) located at 2485 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley, MI 48072. All of those who knew and loved Mike are welcomed to attend.
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