Patrick Joseph Kimerle (Pat), LCDR USN Retired, passed away on 02 Sept 2026 after battling pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife, Sandra {Hale} Kimerle and his daughter, Christina Kimerle. Dear brother of the late Diane Kimerle Kates and the late Dennis Kimerle. Dear brother-in-law of Michael and Laura Hale. Dear son of the late Willard and Carol Kimerle.
Deal uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Patrick grew up in Shrewsbury, MO and attended Afton High School, class of 1973. He eventually graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale in 1990. He was married at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Shrewsbury on 10 Sept 1977. He enlisted in the US Navy in Oct 1977. Served 12 years as enlisted, being promoted to Chief Petty Officer in 1986. He was commissioned as an Ensign on 01 Aug 1990 through the Limited Duty Officer Program. Retired as a Lieutenant Commander on 01 Nov 2002. His duty station included Great Lakes, IL for Boot Camp and “A” School. He attended Naval Nuclear Power School in Orlando FL. He attended Nuclear Power Prototype training in Idaho Falls, ID. Reported to his first ship USS South Carolina in Aug 1979. His next ship was Pre-Commissioning Unit Theodore Roosevelt, being built at
Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, VA; he was part of the first 50 people reporting. In Oct 1987 transferred to Newport, Rhode Island to train junior officers in steam engineering.
There he was commissioned and transferred back to USS Theodore Roosevelt. After 3 years and surviving Desert Storm he transferred to USS Emory S. Land (a submarine repair ship) for 4
years. He then was transferred to Supervisor of Shipbuilding at Newport News Shipyard overseeing various aircraft carrier repair projects. His final duty station was USS Harry S. Truman where he retired in Nov 2002. Throughout his naval career he had the privilege of meeting and escorting multiple famous folks: shook hands with Pope John Paul II in 1982, was kissed by Miss America in 1980, escorted Colin Powell, Dick Chaney, Jeff Gordon, Terry Labonte, President Bill Clinton and others.
After retiring from the Navy, he was a government contractor supporting US Navy ships and Military Sealift Command with repairing ships in Japan, Singapore, Philippines, Bahrain and South Korea. He eventually retired in May 2022 but still did repair jobs a couple of times per year. He loved the travel that came with his jobs.
The family took overseas trips to Spain, Singapore, Japan, and to see the Cardinals play in London, as well annual trips throughout the US. Two of his favorite vacations were visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
After 45 years living in the Norfolk, Virginia area, he moved back to St. Louis in Aug 2023. Pat was a dedicated fan of the St Louis Blues and St. Louis Cardinals, as well as the 6X National Championship St. Louis SLAM Women’s Pro Football Team. The St. Louis SLAM is the second winningest pro team in St. Louis only behind the St. Louis Cardinals.
Funeral services shall be performed at Michel Funeral Home at 5930 Southwest Ave. St Louis MO 63139. Viewing will take place 4:00 – 8:00 pm 17 Sept 2026. A graveside service and burial
is to be performed at Jefferson Barrack National Cemetery on 18 Sept 2026 at 12:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. Louis SLAM Women’s Pro Football Team of the Women’s Football Alliance of which his daughter played and is actively involved as sideline support and Vice President of the organization. Donations can be made online:
https://givebutter.com/SLAM2026Giving.
I worked with Pat when he was taking good care of Military Sealift Command vessels in Singapore, Japan and the Philippines. Pat was a consummate professional who was respected by those with whom he worked and was loved by all of us who were fortunate enough to have known him. Well done, Good and Faithful Servant. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Truly an honor to know Patrick through the Gateway Koi and Pond Club. I was very proud of his service to our country. He was one of America’s finest. Barb and I will miss him and the stories we used to share regarding our time in the military. He was a very good man. May he rest in eternal peace. Our condolences to his wonderful wife and all of the family and friends.
I am deeply sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I had the privilege of working with Pat for many years on a Special Mission Program. He was always professional, kind, and quick to bring humor to those around him. Keeping his family and loved ones in my prayers for peace and comfort.