White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Leona J. Kimmerle, 63 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo, Iowa.  She was born on February 14, 1955, in Altus, Oklahoma, the daughter of James Franklin and Thelma June (Graham) Wendt.  She graduated from Central High School in Waterloo with the Class of 1973, and then attended business college in Madison, Wisconsin.  On July 14, 1979, she and Thomas Ray Kimmerle were married united in marriage at the First United Methodist Church in Independence, Iowa.  She worked at several area businesses until forced to retire due to her health.  She liked baking, reading, NASCAR races, and watching humming birds at her bird feeder.  She also enjoyed drinking coffee at area cafes and traveling.

Mrs. Kimmerle is survived by her husband of 39 years, Tom, 1 daughter, Angie Kimmerle of Waterloo, Iowa, 1 son, Mathew Kimmerle of Independence, 1 step son, Christopher (Nicki) Wilson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, 2 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, her mother, Thelma Wendt of Jesup, Iowa, and 3 sisters, Karen Bland of Arkansas, Donna (Ted) Paulus of Champlain, Minnesota, and Rhonda (Scott) Linderman of Independence.

She was preceded in death by her father, 1 brother in infancy, 1 son, Michael Wendt, and 1 daughter, Patty Kimmerle.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2019, at the White Funeral Home in Independence.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18^th, at the funeral home.