Robert J. Kimmel, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, peacefully passed away June 19, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. Robert was born in Utah, and raised in Denver, Colorado with his four siblings. Robert attended South High School and was a lightweight wrestling competitor and champion. In 1967, Robert volunteered to join the U.S. Army and after attending jump school was assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He served as an Airborne Ranger in Vietnam until his return in 1969. While serving in Vietnam, Robert earned three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, one Silver Star, and other notable honors.

Once state-side, Robert used his G.I. Bill, to study undergraduate biology at the University of Northern Colorado, and then earned two Master's degrees, one in Biology and a second in Education. Robert began a rewarding teaching career in the late '70s working for the Denver Public Schools, eventually moving to the Adams 12 Five Star School district.

In 1975, Robert met his wife, Linda Morison. The couple were married in 1978 and share two children, John and Jackie Kimmel. The couple divorced in the late '80s.

Robert was a science and language teacher for nearly 30 years at Northeast Junior High School in Northglenn, CO, and most of his teaching tenure was at Horizon High School in Thornton, Colorado. He taught one year abroad in Australia in the early '90s. In addition to being a well-respected educator he also ran various ROTC programs, coached wrestling and occasionally football, and maintained both a green house and an aquarium for his students to visualize their studies.

Robert's hobbies included playing poker in Las Vegas, golfing and shenanigans with his siblings, building model ships, rooting for the Denver Broncos, and vacationing in Hawaii. He adored his pack of nieces and nephews and enjoyed taking them to sporting events.

In additional to working as a full-time educator, Robert continued his military service both as a reservist as well as being an active Honor Guard member at Fort Logan.

He is survived by his children, John and Jackie Kimmel, brothers Keith Kimmel [Laurene Scalf], Jerry [Kathleen] Kimmel, sister Karin [Kim] Gritz, sister-in-law Patricia Kimmel, and long-term girlfriend Carol Strini.  He was preceded in death by his father J.R. Kimmel, mother Eleonora Kimmel, and brother Manfred Kimmel.

Robert's Committal service will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 at 10:30 and Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO 80235 Staging Area B. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in his name, to continue supporting US veterans and active service members.