Gerald Erwin Kimmel

Gerald (Jerry) Kimmel August 22, 1940 - July 20, 2026 It is with deep sadness that we share that on July 20th, 2026, Gerald (Jerry) Kimmel passed away peacefully while surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Born to Lucille and Joseph Kimmel in Manitowoc, WI, Jerry graduated from high school in 1958 and then from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1962 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. He met his wife (Sue Reinert) that same year and they were married in 1965. His first job in sales took the couple to the East Coast and then slowly West to settle in Minnesota where he spent the rest of his distinguished career with the Toro Corporation. After 37 years, the 'heart of Toro' as he was known, retired as a leader in distributor development. Jerry was devoted to three things: his Catholic Faith, his Family and his Green Bay Packers. He was heavily involved at his church, Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) and had many roles over the years involving his Faith, both inside and outside of the church. Jerry and Sue had their first two kids, Kris and Mike only 11 months apart, followed by Kelly 8 years later and Patrick after 5 more years. Jerry supported his kids in their chosen activities throughout their lives. And he was even more involved with his grandchildren's lives! From annual trips to Manitowoc to summer jobs "working with Grandpa" - The love between Grandpa and grandkids was deep and obvious. He never gave up on anyone or anything, especially the Packers, and his office at Toro and Packer Room at his house were proof positive! Jerry always demonstrated strength, resiliency, and compassion. He had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people, aided by an easy smile, a quick wit, and an unmistakable twinkle in his eye. He never missed an opportunity to strike up a conversation, share a laugh, or make someone feel welcome. As a heart bypass survivor, he also found a deeply personal calling with Mended Hearts at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, offering encouragement and hope to patients preparing for or recovering from major heart surgery. His legacy will live on through the memories we hold and the example he set for all of us. Jerry will be greatly missed by his three surviving children Kristin Feely, Kelly Edwards (James), Patrick (Cassie); his six grandchildren Jacob, Luke, Wyatt, Isabelle, Grace and Sebastian; his nieces Sherry, Vicki and Elizabeth, his brothers-in-law John Alexander and Alan Reinert and his very special friend, Jeannie, plus many more friends and family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue, his son, Mike, his son-in-law Shawn Feely, his parents Joseph and Lucille, his brothers and their wives Merle (Caroline), Donald (Joan), his sister Mary Kaye Kimmel-Alexander and his nephew John Kimmel. We are grateful for the time we had with him and will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace, forever remembered and loved. Services will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Minnetonka on Friday, July 31st, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and the mass at 11 a.m. with a lunch following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to IHM.