Kathleen Anne Kimmel

December 16, 1933 - October 29, 2023
Kathleen Anne Kimmel, a wonderful mother and grandmother passed away on October 29, 2023, with her children by her side. She was eighty-nine, born December 16, 1933 to Lyle M. and Abby Grace Knauss of Garnett, Kansas. Her death is preceded by her husband of 56 years, Jere Dean Kimmel of Hiawatha, Kansas. She is survived by her sons Jere Dean Kimmel ll married to Crystal of Olathe, Kansas, Bryan James Kimmel of Los Angeles, California, daughter Karen Kimmel of Kansas City, Missouri, grandchildren Jacob, Caleb, Noah and Emery Kimmel and her sweet pup Shadow.
Kathleen grew up mainly in Topeka and Lawrence, Kansas. She received her Bachelor of Science from Kansas University and went on to study and work in the up-and-coming field of Physical Therapy. She held several jobs as a physical therapist while balancing the upbringing of her children. Her most prominent job was managing the entire Lee Summit Community Hospital and John Knox Village Physical Therapy Departments of which she received the James Frisch Award for Excellence.
In 1955 Kathleen James Knauss married Jere Dean Kimmel in Topeka,
Kansas. They moved to Mission, Kansas and soon thereafter built their home of 61 years in Overland Park, Kansas. There they raised their 3 children and created some life-giving memories through multiple family adventures in the mountains, rafting the Colorado River, visiting family on the west and east coast, throwing neighborhood 4 of July parties, and being that house that all the kids huddled around for neighborhood games.
Kathleen had several passions outside her family and work. She loved hiking in Colorado, creating gardens on her home property, checking out estate sales, traveling the world with friends and family, and then later in life joining a creative writing group at Lakeside Community in Lenexa.
Kathleen loved her family and all things celebration oriented. She enjoyed hosting Christmas, often including extended family and lots of joyful memories boasting large amounts of presents, a Christmas afternoon dinner served on a red tablecloth decorated with the finest tableware, always a fire in the fireplace that served as the annual Christmas Family Picture, and afternoons of fun and games. Katie will be missed by all who knew her. She enjoyed life, lived without regrets and inspired others to do so as well.
The family invites you to celebrate the life of Kathleen (Katie) with refreshments in a beautiful setting. Please join us December 9th, from 10am – 1pm at the Rosebud Room 2 at Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Avenue, Prairie Village Kansas 66207.
Mailed condolences may be mailed to 7223 Summit St., Kansas City, MO. 64114. In leu of flowers please consider making a donation to your favorite charity.