By: Erica Bernard (student)
HALE- Joseph (Joe) Kimmerer has been a vital part of Hale Area Schools, for as long as anyone can remember. Mr. Kimmerer served as a member of the Board of Education, coached both basketball and baseball, and was also the Plainfield Township Supervisor from 1993 – 2000.
Alongside these commitments, Mr. Kimmerer and his wife Ethel Kimmerer built a successful restaurant in the 1980s. Before they built their family restaurant though, Mr. Kimmerer started Kimmerer Construction in 1973. Kimmerer Construction is still running today through his son Joe Kimmerer. As the devoted man that Mr. Kimmerer was, he worked until just weeks before his death.
On top of all these commitments, Mr. Kimmerer was a father and a grandfather. Because of his children and grandchildren, Mr. Kimmerer became a regular at every Hale Middle School and High School games. Mr. Kimmerer supported both his sons growing up, and more recently his five grandchildren. Mr. Kimmerer’s children and grandchildren have led on the Kimmerer legacy of being strong, dedicated athletes. His two sons, Joe Kimmerer and Jerud Kimmerer have both led on Mr. Kimmerer’s legacy of coaching. Joe Kimmerer has collected 20+ years of coaching girls and boys basketball as well as baseball. His other son, Jerud Kimmerer has coached middle school football and basketball, and varsity baseball.
If there is anything that we could have learned from Mr. Kimmerer is to be dedicated and passionate about what you love. As a result of this legacy and invaluable contributions that Mr. Kimmerer has left Hale Area Schools; the Hale Area School Board of Education honors him by forever naming the Hale basketball court “Kimmerer Court.” The name will officially be recognized during halftime of the last home game for the varsity girls and boys versus Mio on February 23, 2024.
