Karl M. Kimpton, age 76, of Wells, MN, passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024 surrounded in love with his wife Gwen by his side. A visitation will be held Friday, December 27th from 4:00-7:00 pm at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells and will resume one hour prior to the service (10:00-11:00 am) at the church. A Memorial Mass will be Saturday, December 28, 2024, at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells. Father Pratap Salibindla will officiate, and burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wells Public Library or the Wells Area Food Shelf.
Karl was born September 14, 1948, in St. Peter, MN, and was proudly the youngest born son to Richard and Katie (McGrath) Kimpton. Karl had a love for cars. At a young age, he spent a lot of time with his dad and brothers working on cars at their farm. From there, Karl went on to Vo-Tech for auto body. He claimed he knew more than the instructors. While attending Vo-Tech, he worked at Ben’s B-Line in Mankato. During this time, Karl was drafted into the United States Army but was Honorably discharged shortly after an injury.
In 1968, he moved to Wells, MN and opened Karl’s of Wells. He retired in 2005 and handed the reins down to his son; Guy. Retirement was not sitting well with Karl. He added one more business in 2016 with his son Chance, named Kimpton Auto Sales. Karl also owned a gun shop, U-Haul dealership, numerous mini storages, and rental properties. He attended many gun shows, but best of all he was a self-proclaimed fishing guide in Webster, SD.
Karl was an avid outdoors man. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trips to Canada with family and friends. Karl enjoyed time at the family cabin on Lake Washington. He was an amazing stock car racer, winning races and track championships throughout MN and IA. He was a proud member of the Wells Fire Department for 26 years and Hoot ‘n’ Holler.
Those who knew Karl knew his love of playing cards. He holds a patent on the thumb, always getting five tricks even when he should have gotten three. He especially enjoyed beating his son Chance at Cribbage.
Karl is survived by his wife of 52 years Gwen; his children: Spring Custer of Cape Coral, FL, Guy (Kelsey) Kimpton of Wells, MN, Chance (Roan) of Wells, MN; grandchildren: Cody Custer, Korah Kimpton, and Rutledge Kimpton; brother Lyle (Gail) Kimpton of Lake Crystal, MN; sister Kay Yoch; sister-in-law Judy Kimpton.
Karl is preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law Dick Yoch; brother Richard Kimpton; grandson Mason Kimpton; and numerous friends who are now reunited and watching over us.
I really enjoyed playing cards with Karl when we lived in Wells. I also bought a car from him in 2016 and am still driving it. Karl always had a great sense of humor even when he didn’t feel well. As I remember he was the guy who took me to my first Hoot n holler meeting! My prayer is for comfort for you and a multitude of good memories of Karl.
Sympathies to all his family.
Very fond memories of random (.??) encounters, that most of the time turned into tales (??) of fishing, friends, where are you fishing, cars that we’d had, and memories! The neverending changing lake shores and dawns gained a heck of a Guy? My sympathies!
prayers and condolences to Gwen and families.
Sincere sympathies to Gwen and the family. Karl was one of the best friends I ever had. We hunted together, snowmobiled together, had a beer after work, and went out for a meal now and then. I will miss him. He was hard working and a genuine great guy.
So sorry for your family’s loss sending prayers and hugs and sympathy to you all
My condolences to all of Karl’s family. Karl was a classmate from 1st grade at Pemberton HS to graduation at WP. We ran around in different circles so mostly just classmates. From his obituary I learned things about Karl I never knew. He was quite a guy!
Sincerely
Great memories of Karl. Dart leagues. Bought a few guns from him. Hoot n Holler. Cards at the Great Escape. Bought a car from him that was one of the better cars for the $$$$ Picking up cars at auto auction for him. Always took time to visit with me , with our last visit at Ricks fish fry at the Escape. Fishing in SD with him and playing cards at his rental house. We will miss him.
May he R.I.P.
My sympathies to the entire family and all who will miss him.
And as Karl would say “Ah what the hell. Pick it up , no trump it is!!!!!””