As the sun went down on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, Gary Leo Kimps was taken into the Lord's eternal care.  He passed away peacefully, in his home, surrounded by his family.

Gary was a man of faith and strong will.  His battle with Parkinson's with Dementia never took away his infectious smile and compassionate spirit. Although he could no longer speak or respond, he continued to find the strength to purse his lips to kiss his wife until his final day.

Born in Howard on January 24, 1943, he was the son of the late Bernard and Luella Kimps. Growing up, he was a delightful young man and became an extraordinary man.  He cared for all people, especially his family.  Gary's father taught him early on that if family stays together and works together, much joy and happiness will be found and you will succeed.  When he committed to something, he kept his word and lived life without regrets.

In 1954, he met his one and only Sally Mae Lardinois on the bike trail on his way to school.  They actually grew up only a half mile apart as kids. At that time, little did they know what a glorious journey they would have together.

Gary graduated from Premontre High School in 1961.  He then completed a course in cabinetry at NWTC. In the next four years, he was a very busy man.  He married his first love, Sal, on July 21, 1962. He had his first born, Craig, in 1963, and in 1964 (oops) Carla was born.  In 1965, he built their family home that he and Sal shared until his final day. Gary and Sal shared 58 years together and had a wonderful life filled with much love and many adventures. Some of the happiest days of his life were spent creating memories with his three children, Craig, Carla and Corey.

Building on the foundation that his father had already created in the community, Gary followed in his father's footsteps delivering milk, propane, and selling hardware.  In 1975, he purchased the hardware store and propane business from his father.  He was well on his way to becoming the "helpful hardware man". He was known as the friendly man behind the counter with all the answers.  He and Sal worked together for 24 years. Being a part of the community was important to Gary.  Many of his loyal customers considered him a friend.

For years he was involved in the Howard‑Suamico Optimist Club as a charter member and served as president.  He was honored to become Lieutenant Governor for the state of Wisconsin during that time.  He and Sal attended many conventions and community events.  They also belonged to the Howard‑Suamico Business Association.

By 1987, the business had far outgrown its original facility and moved to its current location. Gary was never afraid of hard work or trying new things.  The only way to do great work is to love what you do, and he did just that.  He worked diligently to set the foundation for Kimps Hardware to be a third, and now fourth, generation business when his oldest son, Craig, and wife, Laurie, joined the business.  Most of the employees at this point were family, but even the ones that weren't were always treated that way. Over the years to come, many of the employees looked up to Gary as a father figure.  He was well respected for his kindness, integrity and compassion for others.  The business continued to grow over the years by sustaining those hometown values that proved to be the foundation of the organization long after he retired.

When not creating his legacy, Gary spent his free time with family and friends.  He worked hard and played hard.  Many memories were made at his cottage in Crooked Lake that he enjoyed for 48 years.  Annual 4th of July celebrations, campfires, pontoon rides, taking long rides with Sal that often ended with an ice cream cone, were just a few of his favorite things.  Christmas Eve at grandpa and grandma Kimps' house was always full of laughter and storytelling.  Gary loved his annual fishing trip, fish fries and old fashioneds.  He was always the life of the party.

Snowmobiling was one of Gary's favorite winter pastimes starting back in the ditch banging days of 1968.  Sal became an avid snowmobiler as well.  They traveled a lot of trails together along with good friends in the Heart Riders Snowmobile Club.  One of their adventures included traveling from their cottage in Crooked Lake all the way across the top of Minnesota to Fargo, North Dakota and all the way back.  Another trip took them to and from Canada.  The times he spent riding with his boys and other family members will also be treasured forever.  His last ride with his boys was at 77 years old and he figured he had logged over 50,000 miles on the white stuff and enjoyed every minute of doing so.  He also enjoyed four wheeling (we think), summer camping trips with friends and family, Packer games, watching his grandsons play hockey, playing Crazy 8, Josephine's pizza and believe it or not, watching Hallmark movies with Sal.

He treasured his days spent with his grandchildren.  Watching Crosby was always his top priority, even over work.  Crosby was the best thing for his grandpa's retirement.

He leaves behind to carry on his legacy his beloved wife Sal.  Three children and their spouses: Craig (Laurie), Carla (Dudley) and Corey (Tina).   Seven grandchildren:  Dana (and special friend Ben), Cresence ( AJ), Wesley (Jessica), Clint (Alexis), Collin, Colton and Crosby.  Three great grandchildren:  Cooper, Camden and Covie.  Siblings Donna (Butch) Simoens, Mary Van De Yacht, Roger (Star) Kimps, Carol (Rick) VanEgeren. In-laws Judy (Arlyn) Holewinski, Diane Lardinois, Joanne (Judson) Simmons, Wendy (Todd) LaBorde. He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, Vern and Don Lardinois, two brothers-in-law Leo Van De Yacht and Richard Lardinois, and two nephews, David Lardinois and Gregory Kimps.

He will continue to send guidance from heaven to his special godchildren Joey, Becky, Todd, Troy and Chrystal.  We were all blessed to have known him and he will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and many, many good friends.   He was a perfect example of what a Christian man should be.  He and Sal attended mass every Sunday their whole lives and prayed the rosary daily for others.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the people who helped in Gary's journey, including, but not limited to: Father Jim. His physicians:  Dr. Stanko, Dr. Ditchen, and Nurse Melinda.  Aurora Therapists: Ellen and Karen.  Mobile and Fit class leaders: Junius, Natasha and Diane. Home Instead caregivers, especially Jessica and Vanessa.  Aurora at-Home Hospice caregivers, especially Jessica and Stephanie. Good People caregivers, Ena and especially Ganbold Tsegmed (Bobby).  Bobby's presence allowed the family to spend the time during Gary's final months laughing, crying and reflecting on how wonderful he was.  Bobby cared for Gary with the same amount of love we all had for him.  Bobby's kindness, compassion, gentleness and patience left our entire family in amazement; he became a part of our family.  We all feel so blessed to have shared this time such an unbelievable caregiver.

We thank God for the gift of his life and the blessing of the time we spent with him.  Gary's wife and children want to share their special sentiments.

"If I could choose only one person to share my life with, I would choose you again."  Love, Sal

"I feel so fortunate to have had so much time with you.  Forty years ago, I headed to college in pursuit of a prestigious job full of fame and fortune.  In less than a year, I came back the richest man on earth for the opportunity to partner with you in the only job I ever had."  Love, Craig

"I always felt protected with you by my side.  You are the Dad everyone wishes they had."  Love, Pooh

"My superhero.  You provided me with guidance and advice for almost every life decision I have made.  I'm afraid to face life's challenges without you, but I know the wisdom gained from you will get me through.  I miss you so much already."  Love, Corey

We will all miss him beyond measure.  His infectious smile, his joy, his laughter, his humor and his unconditional love.

Due to Covid-19, the family will hold a private mass and plan to hold a memorial celebration in his honor for the public at a later date. Online condolences welcome at www.PfotenhauerFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite charity.