Kenneth P. Kimmel
June 3, 1953 – July 28, 2026
A celebration of life visitation will be held from 2 pm to 5 pm, Thursday August 13, 2026, at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be given to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC or ifcj.org (International Fellowship of Christians and Jews) Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.
Obituary
Kenneth P. Kimmel age 73, of Portage, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday July 28, 2026. Ken was born June 3, 1953, in Pottsville, PA, the son of Clair and Helen (DeLuca) Kimmel. He graduated from Pottsville High School after which he worked as an operator of heavy equipment. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and the National Guard. After military service Ken worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, for a period of 32 years. He was a talented athlete who enjoyed golf, bowling, weight-lifting, football and wrestling. Ken was a devoted man of God who had a strong faith and lived by moral Christian principles. Ken was an avid reader and a devotee of history and politics. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a huge fan of Seinfeld. On May 21, 2005, Ken was united in marriage to his loving wife, Barbara (Weintraub) Kimmel who survives. Also surviving are four children, Kenneth (Morgan) Kimmel Jr., Faith (Antonio) Costea, Rebekah (Javier) Hinojosa, Keiauna (Hideo) Yanagisawa; six grandchildren, Tyler, Jonah, Amelia, Mckinley, Antonio, Jr, Mirela; two brothers, Kevin Kimmel, Gary (Michelle) Kimmel; several nieces & nephews; and his cat, Chloe. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jackie Kimmel; brother, Clair “Butch” Kimmel Jr; and several beloved cats, Suki, Keelin, Willow, Tux and Max.
Barbara and kids – I am so very sorry for your loss. Ken was the most loving father and a devoted husband to Barbara. They shared many happy years together, in the most unlikely of pairings one could think of. Yet they were a wonderful couple who laughed a lot and shared a warmth and love that was a joy to see. We have some lovely memories of sharing meals with Barbara and Ken and Bruce and Margaret Uridge along with our sons. Ken worked hard and he loved sports, things that he and Barbara had in common. We are thinking of you during your time of grief and loss, and hope that the happy memories of time with Ken will bring some solace.
Love, Namita and Rex
Barb and family, Chloe, we are thinking of you and are in our prayers. Ken was a joy of sunshine and Ken (Barb) the best neighbors ever. He played a hard game of Euchre but will be remembered for always his kind heart, gratitude, and the biggest smile. He will be missed greatly and will be thought of often. Prayers to all of you in this time of loss. Earth’s loss Heaven’s gain. Much love.
Barb we are so sorry to see this! Prayers and hugs to you.