Obituaries : Francis “Franny” Henry Kimm

Francis "Franny" Henry Kimm, 98, peacefully passed away Monday, June 3, 2024, at St. Luke's Hospice, surrounded by the love of family and following a full, active life. Visitation will be held Saturday, June 15, from 1-4 PM at Phillips Funeral Home, Keystone. A family graveside service will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown.  

Franny was born February 10, 1926, in Blairstown, Iowa, to Porter John and Esther Elizabeth (Schaffer) Kimm. He was the fourth-born of eleven children. As a boy, Franny learned to drive tractors and trucks while working for local farmers. 

These early skills served him well when, at the age of 18, Franny answered the call to service during WWII, and enlisted in the United States Army on April 25,1944. He was stationed overseas in Marseille, France, in June, 1945, as an ambulance driver in the medical division. He then served as a military policeman in Manila, Philippine Islands, and later at Fort Riley, Kansas. 

Franny received an honorable discharge from the army on December 9, 1946. Decorations earned include the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, European Theater of Operations Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. Franny was a proud WWII veteran and member of the American Legion. In October, 2017, he was thrilled to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

His skills as a truck driver were again put to work, this time for the Ruan and Skelly Oil companies. Franny met Martha Mary Kuester and they married on March 19,1949. Over the years, the couple was blessed with nine children. The family lived in Coralville and Luzerne before making their final home in Keystone, Iowa. Here they raised their family as Franny managed the Kimm and Sons Ready Mix Keystone plant and became a skilled concrete finisher. He served on the Keystone Fire Department and was a lifetime Keystone Turner Member.

Franny was an avid sportsman and enjoyed bowling, fishing, and hunting. Boxing and baseball were his favorite sports in the early years. Later, he played catcher for fast-pitch softball and continued well into his fifties. Franny was also an accomplished coach and umpire. Attending his grandchildren's sporting events brought great joy. 

Franny loved talking with people and always had a joke ready. He often shared fond memories of deer hunting trips to southern Iowa and camping at the Iowa River with dear family and friends. His beloved hunting dog, Spot, was a faithful companion on fall pheasant hunts.

Franny is survived by his children Sharon (Bob) Gorsch, Reg Kimm, Brenda (Gary) Hansen, all of Victor; Brett (Diane) Kimm, Mt. Vernon; Byran (Tracie) Kimm, Keystone; Brad (Cindi) Kimm, Blairstown; daughter-in-law Patty Kimm, Blairstown; 22 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and his sister Regina "Blondie" Wichmann.

Franny was preceded in death by his wife Martha, daughter Mary, sons John and David, great-grandson Joey, his parents, and siblings Dale, Dahlene, Harlan, Stuart, Marian, Kenneth, Earl, Russell, and Virginia.

Condolences may be left at www.phillipsfunerahomes.com  

Memorial contributions may be directed to US Honor Flight or Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Blairstown, Iowa