Joseph R. Heimerl, 81, of Kiel, passed away Friday, November 19, 2021 at Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center.  Joe was born June 7, 1940, in Hilbert, to the late Ralph and Florence (Bowe) Heimerl. On August 22, 1959, he married the former Kathleen Dorn at St. Ann Catholic Church, St. Anna.  Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1959 until 1962, serving as a paratrooper.  He was a member of the Mount Calvary American Legion.  Joe was employed by Aluminum Specialty – Chilton Metal Products and farmed in the town of New Holstein.

Joe enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, camping, fishing and hunting.

In addition to his wife, Kathy, he is survived by his children, Sherry (Frank) Diedrich, Lori (Dave) Nelson and Tami Wink; his 10 grandchildren, Heather Nelson, Sara (Dan) Cardinal, Joey Nelson (special friend, Lindsey), Trevin Nelson, Frankie (Aerieal) Diedrich, Rayelle (Linda) Diedrich, Olivia Diedrich, Jaryd (Tanya) Wink, Cameron (Brooke) Wink and Megan (Garrett) Buechel; his great-grandchildren, Wallace, Lana and Ramsey Diedrich, Eva, Emma and Carter Cardinal, Daelyn and Wyatt Wink, Parker Wink and Beckett and Bellemie Buechel; his brother, Ken Heimerl, his sisters, Marilee (Dean) Borneman, Jayne (Bill) Levknecht; his brother-in-law, Joseph (Linda) Dorn and his sisters-in-law, Donna (Don) Jacques, Janice (Bob) Mand, and Sue (Lyle) Pitzen.  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Lonny, his grandchildren, Alexandra Wink and Sami Nelson; his sisters, Judy (John) Schoen and Carol (Gene) Denzel and his mother-in-law and father-in-law: Joseph and Appolonia Dorn, sisters-in-law: Charlotte (Bob) Dedering, Jo Ann Wenzel and Debra Dorn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 2:00 pm, at St. Ann Catholic Church (N188 School Street, New Holstein).  Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #454 of Mount Calvary following the service.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, at the church, from 12:00 pm until 1:45 pm when brief Military Prayers will be held.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Joe and his family during his stay.