George "Francis" Kimmel, 85, of West Burlington, died Friday, June 23, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.
Born June 17, 1938, he was the son of Rena S. Gillis, and step-father Harry M. Gillis. On Oct. 8, 1961, he married Barbara Kay Kimmel at the Christian Church in Lomax, Ill.
Francis worked as a heavy equipment operator for multiple companies both locally and in the Quad Cities. He was a gold card lifetime member of the Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers. He was also a member of the Local 537 Union.
He served in the Iowa National Guard beginning May 16, 1955, and was honorably discharged on March 6, 1963.
Francis loved his work as a heavy equipment operator. He took great pride in his work. He loved quarter horses, dogs, and his barn cats, dining out, and spending time with his family and his church family. Most of all Fran loved his wife, Barbara. He was a devoted husband to her and people often commented that they were the model of love and marriage.
Survivors include his siblings, Florence White of Coralville, Lois Swank of Washington, Joe Kimmel of Burlington, Lonnie Kimmel of Bolivar, Mo., Barbie Siefken, his nephew, Tony (Deb) Mattson of Oskaloosa, niece, Paula (Andy) Morrell of Adair, and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Francis was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Kay Kimmel, two brothers, Donald Rinaberger and David Kimmel, and two sisters, Betty Mae Meade and Mary Lou Haynes.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The funeral service for Francis will be 11 a.m. Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, with Pastor Nancy Sutherland officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. A time of food and fellowship will be held at West Burlington United Methodist Church following the service. Burial will be in Carman Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials have been established for the West Burlington United Methodist Church and the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.