Earl "Art" Kimmerly

Earl Arthur “Art” Kimmerly peacefully passed away with his loving family by his side on February 7, 2008. He left this earth after courageously battling illness for twenty-one years. A handsome man of pure strength and courage, he never gave up the fight until God called him home. He was a devoted Catholic and always knew God was in control. Mass of Christian Burial for Art will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, St. Michael. Fr. Charles Leute O.P. and Fr. Pual Ruge will concelebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Spirit Lake Nation Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Friday beginning at 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary and thank you tribute of his life at 7:00 p.m. Tony andVina McDonald and Ardelle Blueshield will provide the music. Serving as Casket Bearers for Earl will be Ryan Jacobson, Colin Jacobson, Derrick Allery, Noel King, Jeremy Nelson and Dean Malzahn Honorary Bearers will be Howard Smith, Alfie Smith, Larry Smith, Frank Kimmerly, Bob Kimmerly, Joe Sander, Ernie Manring, Henry Minette and all of Art’s friends of the Spirit Lake Nation. Music will be provided by Amanda Geiger, soloist and CeCe Kraft, organist. Art was born in Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada on July 17th, 1930. He grew up in Canada and moved with his family to the United States when he was twelve. At age 14, he started working in the meat department as a clean up boy. He joined the United States Army and was stationed in Alaska as a mess Sergeant until 1952. He met the love of his life Alice May Smith and they were married January 3, 1953 in Tacoma, Washington. They lived in various places in Washington State and settled in North Dakota in 1971. They also enjoyed many trips to their home in Yuma, Arizona where Art passed away. Art worked at Leevers Super Valu for 13 years. After leaving Leevers Super Valu he opened his own meat business, Mission Bay Market, which was his life long dream. He was a meat cutter for 44 years. He trained many young men to become meat cutters including his sons and grandsons. He was the center of his children and grandchildren’s lives with his playful personality, quick wit, humor and thoughtful heart. He loved playing cards, took pride in his yard, but the beautiful roses were sprayed full force! Knowing what was right for his family and friends, he was always there for them with his unique and unconditional love and support. He is survived and will be sorely missed by his devoted and dedicated wife, Alice Kimmerly of 55 years. A wonderful Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather he will be deeply missed and his legacy of love, courage and devotion will live on through his children; Rene (Gene) Allery of Aberdeen, SD, Denise Jacobson of Woodlake, ND, Robin (Chris) King of Trenton, ND, Darren Kimmerly and Lance (Lisa) Kimmerly of St. Michael, ND; Nine Grandchildren: Ryan (Karla) Jacobson, Colin Jacobson, Derrick Allery, Noel King, Audrey King, Renae King, Jeremy Nelson, Breanna Kimmerly and Melissa Kimmerly; Six Great Grandchildren: Kindra, Hunter and Bailey Jacobson, Jordan Cavanaugh and Kailar Jacobson and Kyler Cayko. Brothers: Frank (Gloria) Kimmerly, Minter Creek, Washington, Robert (Caroline) Kimmerly, Fife Hights, Washington. Sisters: Betty (Joe) Sander, Eatonville, Washington and Loretta (Ernie) Manring, Mesa, Arizona Many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Bessie Irene (Meads) Kimmerly and two infant granddaughters, Heidi Ann Jacobson and Kiley Ann Kimmerly. Memorials may be directed to Mass Intentions for Art and the family.