George Kimmet (1865-1956)

The following June 22, 1944, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 1:

Grandson Declared Dead by U.S. War Department

A copy of the following newspaper article, hand-identified as being from the Feb. 24, 1955, Tribune, was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:

MARKS 90th BIRTHDAY

A copy of the following newspaper article, hand-identified as being from the Oct. 6, 1955, Tribune, was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:

KNOCK AROUND

Hats off to young fella George Kimmet. George, a popular figure around town, amazed a few people at the bowling alleys one day last week, and most of us didn't believe it until Neil Bahr verified it. George, in case some don't know, has already celebrated his 93rd birthday, and to prove that he's not an old man, went to the alleys and rolled two games, 94 and 93. This is the first time that he ever bowled a game. His first two balls in the first frame went into the gutter and that really makes his 94 game a more respectable score. George, I suggest you get yourself a bowling ball, as there is bound to be a team or two who will be seeking you as a replacement. Congratulations you young whippersnapper.

A copy of the following unidentified newspaper article was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:

George Kimmet At Dyer Hospital

Tribune

Mr. Kimmet is Lowell's oldest former businessman, and the Tribune's most ardent reader. He is the recipient of prayers offered by his host of friends.

A copy of the following newspaper article, hand-identified as being from the Feb. 2, 1956, Tribune, was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:

George Kimmet, 91, Oldest Former Businessman, Dies

Tribune

Mr. Kimmet was born in Bettsville, Ohio, Feb. 21, 1865, and came to Lowell from Tiffin, Ohio, in 1890. He established a grocery store in a frame building on the present site of Grant's store. Later, he operated a department store, an ice house, and started Lowell's first 5 and 10 cent store. He retired from business in 1927, but always retained his interest in Lowell's business and civic affairs.

Among his chief interests were Lowell's schools and young folk. For many years gardening was an important hobby. Mr. Kimmet loved Lowell, and was sincerely interested in all its people. His daily walks about town kept him in close contact with business progress. He was a frequent visitor at the Tribune, and only recently called to renew his subscription for the 67th consecutive year -- boasting in his witty way, that he was one of the Tribune's first advertisers and oldest subscriber.

George married Elizabeth Schultz of near Cook, the ceremony taking place in St. Martin's church at Hanover Center (now the Holy Name church at Cook). The couple resided in Lowell and were members of St. Edward's church. Mrs. Kimmet died in 1943. Their seven children, all graduates of Lowell high school, include: Mrs. Katherine Baker of Ft. Wayne, Mrs. Clara Lovelace of Fords, New Jersey, Leo of Bloomington, Mrs. Laura Hayden of Plainfield, New Jersey, Mrs. Hermina Milliken of Champaign, Ill., Raymond of Traverse City, Mich., and Mrs. Lenora Buckley of Hammond. Other survivors are 14 grandchildren and two brothers, Joseph and Andrew of Tiffin, Ohio.

Father Edward Boney officiated at a 10 o'clock Requiem mass at St. Edward's church on Wednesday morning, February 1, for his oldest parishioner. He was laid to rest beside his wife in St. Edward's cemetery.

NOTE -- It is interesting to observe that in the previous news stories Mr. Kimmet's given age ranged from 93 and 92 (before he died) to 91 (in his obituary).

Last updated on June 22, 2006.

Go to George Kimmet, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.

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George Kimmet (1865-1956)