Jonathan Dean Kimball

JONATHAN DEAN KIMBALL May 30, 1964 – June 4, 2019                   Jonathan Dean Kimball, age 55, a lifelong Park Rapids, MN area resident, peacefully passed from this life to eternal life on June 4, 2019 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loved ones following a valiant battle against pancreatic cancer.                 Jon was born on May 30, 1964 in Park Rapids, MN to Dean and LaVonne (Lesmeister) Kimball.  He attended Park Rapids Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1982.  He then went on to attend Wadena Vocational-Technical College where he studied automotive mechanics, specializing in transmission rebuilding.  Following his graduation, Jon enjoyed working for Ken’s Auto Transmission south of Park Rapids until a work-related accident disabled him with a broken back.  On August 27, 1988, he was united in marriage to Penny Crist in Bemidji, MN.  This union was blessed with three children: Christopher, Casey, and Samantha.  Jon loved the outdoors; especially, when he could be out bow or rifle hunting for the big bucks.  Throughout his entire life, he had a love affair with cars.  He rebuilt, repainted and refurbished numerous cars; but his favorites are today all driven by his three children, a 1972 Dodge Dart, a 1978 Dodge Power Wagon and a 1981 Dodge Pickup.  He enjoyed teaching his children his abundant knowledge and skill at mastering all types of automotive repairs.  He also enjoyed helping friends repair their cars and trucks whenever help was needed.  He had a profound love for animals; especially his Great Dane, Bubba and he marveled at the gentle obedience and power of his families horses he enjoyed caring for.  He also enjoyed working with his grandfather, Clifford Kimball and learning all about the skills and knowledge needed in operating a sawmill.  He also looked forward each fall to helping his mom and dad with deer processing and handed this family tradition down to his children teaching them the importance of safely processing their own venison.  John also enjoyed reloading all of his own ammunitions.  He loved to tinker with and ride his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle whenever he could.  He also enjoyed feeding and watching the deer and birds that graced their country home.  Above all, Jon loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and entire family with all his heart and devoted his life to their happiness.                 Jon will be lovingly remembered by his precious wife and soulmate, Penny of Park Rapids; his three children: Christopher (Heather) Kimball, Casey Kimball (Danielle Hoefs) and Samantha Kimball all of Park Rapids; his grandson, Asher age 2 ½ and his unborn granddaughter; his father, Dean Kimball and his grandfather, Clifford Kimball both of Park Rapids; his five brothers and sisters: Sherry (Pat) Mikesh of Park Rapids, Janet (Joe) Adamec of Park Rapids; Jim (Tammy) Kimball of Hermantown, MN, LaDonna (Jeff) Hanson of Park Rapids, and Bill Kimball of Park Rapids; his sister-in-law, Katie Kimball of Park Rapids; his sister-in-law, Wendy (Terry) Mitchell of Park Rapids; his brother-in-law, Danny (Sandra) Crist of Park Rapids; many nieces and nephews; as well as other relatives and many friends.                  Jon was preceded in death by his mother, LaVonne; his brother, Pat; maternal grandparents: John and Elma Lesmeister and paternal grandmother, Florence “Flossie” Kimball; as well as his mother and father-in-law, Janice and Adrian Crist.                 A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the Kimball residence located at 28427 County Road 89, Park Rapids, MN.     To leave online condolences or to view the tribute video please visit www.jonespearson.com