Jan Kimmel

When reflecting on the life of Jan Kimmel, we are reminded that happiness is not found in what we have, but that it is through the love we share with those around us that we are richly blessed. Although she was a woman of many interests, there was nothing more near and dear to her heart than the family she treasured more than life itself. With the love of her life by her side for nearly 50 years, Jan witnessed her family tree grow to include the children and grandchildren who will carry on her legacy of selflessness, generosity, and unconditional love. A longtime resident of the community she loved, she made a significant impact in the lives of those too numerous to count.

During the early 1940s the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII enveloped more and more of the Europe. We said goodbye to numerous servicemen and women who were sent overseas to fight for the preservation of the freedoms we still enjoy today while those who remained stateside gathered around radios for news from the front lines. Rationing became a way of life, and victory gardens were planted to lessen the demand on the nation’s food supply. It was in 1941 that a young couple from Holland, Michigan, learned they were expecting a baby. They welcomed 1942 with great anticipation, and it was on May 26th of that year that they greeted their healthy baby girl, Jan. She was the oldest of three children born to her parents, Gerald and Florence (Nie) Achterhof, and she was raised in the family home alongside her younger siblings, Chuck and Chris. Jan’s father worked in a local factory in Holland while her mother worked for Holland Hospital.

The city of Holland has roots that are heavily laden with Dutch traditions. Like so many other young people of her community Jan used to dress up in native Dutch clothing and dance during the Holland Festival each year. She was a student at local schools, graduating from Holland High School in 1960. From there Jan continued her education at Muskegon School of Business, earning her associate’s degree. With her education behind her she worked in the accounting department at Mercy Hospital for a time.

New and exciting changes were in store for Jan when she met the young man with whom she would write an exciting love story. His name was Warren Kimmel, and they met at a roller rink in Grand Haven. The young Jan captivated his attention, so he skated up and asked her to skate. Although it took Warren three dates to remember her last name, he stole her heart. They dated for 18 months and fell deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Jan and Warren got engaged on Valentine’s Day in 1964. They made their love official, becoming husband and wife at the Fourth Reformed Church in Holland on December 12th that same year.

Together Jan and Warren welcomed two children into their hearts and home, Michael and Gerrilin. From the moment her children were born they were Jan’s life. She took great care in tending to their needs. When the children were small the Kimmels enjoyed memorable trips to places like Disney World and a variety of amusement parks. Everything that came out of Jan’s kitchen was fantastic, and it could be argued that she made the best spaghetti with homemade meat sauce around. Although she always had small dogs while she was growing up, Warren had asked for a St. Bernard pup for their second Christmas together and she obliged. From that point forward a St. Bernard has been a part of their lives. In fact, they had several dogs that were like additional members of the family through the years including Newfoundlands and an English Springer named Bentley the past few years. Later in life Jan was delighted to become a grandmother, and with her grandchildren was one of her favorite things.

Although nothing ever topped spending time with her children and grandchildren, Jan’s life was enriched in other ways as well. She spent 25 years working as a business manager at Martin Public Schools and belonged to Business Managers of Michigan. Jan was an active member of her church for several years, a member of the Red Hat Society, and was a life treasurer for the Nite Hawk Motorcycle Club AMA. During her younger years Jan did some ceramics, and with a love for horses she was a horse leader for the local 4-H for many years. Jan even owned her own horse for a time. She enjoyed reading, and when it came to music she was a huge Bob Segar fan. Jan even attended his final concert. During their retirement years she and Warren wintered in their fifth wheel in Florida, which they loved. They would have done more traveling, but health issues limited them. They did enjoy a trip to Branson, Missouri, on one occasion.

All who knew Jan Kimmel would agree that she was one of the sweetest people around. She was quiet, caring, and compassionate, which drew others to her with ease. Jan worked in a career she enjoyed and was extremely professional in the way she handled herself at work. Being a mother and grandmother seemed to be roles that were tailor made just for her as both her children and grandchildren would say that she had no equal. The memories Jan leaves behind will be forever cherished by her many friends and loved ones.

Jan Kimmel of Shelbyville died on January 3, 2013, at her home. Jan’s family includes her husband, Warren; her children, Michael (Danielle) Kimmel, Gerrilin (Jim) Cash; grandchildren, Kahla and Trent; brothers, Chuck and Chris. Jan was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter, Paige Allison. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Sunday, January 6 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 7 at the Shelbyville United Methodist Church: 938 124th Avenue, Shelbyville at 11:00 a.m. Please visit Jan’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online before coming to funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to The Shelbyville United Methodist Church or Paws with a Cause.