Robert Kimpling

One of the benefits of small-town living is the family-owned business. The Kimpling family has loyally served Washington for more than 90 years.

Paul Kimpling (1859-1938), a blacksmith by trade, retired to help son Harry (1896-1963) build his business on the square known as Modern Hardware in 1925. In 1938, Harry renamed the company Kimpling Plumbing and Heating, and at the tender age of eight, his son Robert didn’t know what the future had in store for him. Robert might have guessed as he was part of the dedicated workforce along with siblings Anna Mae, Virginia, and Hank.

Bob attended Washington schools and was an outstanding athlete, as was his older brother Hank.  He was on the 7th grade basketball team, winning a state championship.  Coach Sherwood Dees made a lasting impression on Bob, teaching him the importance of teamwork and cooperation.  Bob set a state record in shotput, lasting more than 30 years.  In high school, he competed in football, basketball, baseball, and track.  His passion was football and he developed a love for the sport.

An excerpt from an English I theme dated November 12, 1945, follows as Bob describes his first football practice.  “Practice started at 2:00 that afternoon, but believe me, I was there at 1:00; I wanted to get in on everything.  I went down to the locker room and checked my football suit out.  Excited, boy, it’s a wonder I got my shoes on the right feet. But I managed somehow.  I grabbed a pigskin and ran outside with Duck.  The first thing was getting used to the suit, which was no easy job.  We ran around tackling each other for about two hours.  Then we all ran completely around the field three times. By that time, I was pretty tired and was glad that it was the end of practice for that day.  But in my estimation, it was an afternoon well spent.” Coach Goldie Babcook instilled confidence and leadership qualities that served “Kip” well into adulthood, and the young man continued to follow and support WACOHI sports throughout his lifetime.

Bob met his future wife, Mary Schlobohm, in high school. Truly a love story, the sweethearts tied the knot on December 10, 1950.  Four daughters completed the family:  Kathy (Gary Meister), Nancy (Mark Hodges), Karen (Mick Blunier), and Carol Kimpling. When Dad Harry died in 1963, Bob, a Master Plumber, and Mary took over the business that stood where the Courier is now.  In 1970, Kimpling’s state-licensed union plumbing shop moved to 1880 Washington Road, and the Ace Hardware franchise became a part of the company.  In the mid-80s, Mary’s Collectibles were added. Thanks to the continued support of Washington and surrounding communities, the family and business flourished.

Bob was the kind of guy who developed friendships for life.  He led by example.  Bob supported the community as a volunteer for the Washington Fire Department and was a lifetime NRA and Kennel Lake Sportsmen’s Club member.  He loved to bowl, golf, boat, and camp.  But his avocation was hunting and fishing, as attested by the many licenses his family had preserved from grandfather to grandson.  Not only did Bob’s ancestors work together, but they also formed a bond with nature.

No matter what the business was called, the Kimpling family, led by Harry, Bob, and Mary, would serve Washington year after year.  Harry and Bob would be proud to know that the Kimpling name is still well respected in the Washington community in the 21st century. 

Thank you to the Kimplings for sharing their legacy.