Leo Francis Kimmet, age 80 of Billings, passed on to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, December 20th after a long illness. Leo was born in Conception, MO on September 28,1927. He was the 12th child of Adam and Josephine Kimmet.
Leo and his family moved to Montana in 1937 and farmed in Sunburst. The family then moved to Great Falls and continued to farm there. Leo graduated in 1946 from St. Mary's. Leo married Joan Eve on Valentine’s Day of 1953. They had 7 beautiful children.
Leo was a very proud man of his country serving in the army from 1951-1953. He was also an extremely talented man. He was a good farmer and a fantastic handyman who could fix and build anything. He was also a union carpenter on the missile silos across Montana. He loved to share his many talents helping family and friends. He was everyone's handyman.
Leo was an employee of Great Northen/BN Railroad for over 40 years. His job with the railroad moved him and his family to Billings in 1974. After his retirement in 1988, Leo and Joan were able to enjoy their retirement years together sharing time between Arizona and Montana.
Leo was a very caring and religious man. He was active in his churches and volunteered for years with Meals on Wheels. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Family was extremely important to him and Leo was an excellent role model to his many children and grandchildren.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and 6 sisters. He is survived by his wife Joan of nearly 55 years. Children Margo (Bill) Banks of Laurel, Ken (Patty) Kimmet, Shirley (Bob) Esser, Darlene (Brian) Knudson, Rodney (Sherri) Kimmet, Adam (Kevin Jane) Kimmet all of Billings, and Wayne (Amy) Kimmet of Happy Valley, OR; and his 19 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and 2 brothers George of Billings and Andy (Clara Jo) of Great Falls.
The casket will be open at Michelotti-Sawyers prior to the vigil service and at the church prior to Mass. Vigil Services will be held at 7:00 P.M., on Thursday, December 27, 2007, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, December 28, at St. Pius X Church. Rite of Committal will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.