History
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Richard P. Kimmel grew up in Nebraska City where he attended school and graduated in 1915. After high school, he attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and graduated in 1919 with a degree in Business Administration.
His first job following military service during World War I, was with the Otoe County Bank & Trust Company in Nebraska City. He worked there until 1925 when he established the Kimmel Orchard near Nebraska City. For over 70 years, he also managed the Kimmel Farms near Unadilla and Palmyra. The Kimmel Farms were acquired by his grandfather, John Kimmel, in the 1850s. After selling the Kimmel Orchard in 1967, he remained actively engaged in farming and livestock production until his death.
Soon after founding the Kimmel Orchard, Richard married Laurine Oetgen. Laurine's family and the Kimmel family were neighbors in Nebraska City, so their relationship had been longstanding. Laurine graduated from Nebraska City Public Schools and attended the University of Nebraska. For a time Laurine taught school, from which her love of art developed. While helping Richard build the orchard, she continued to study and pursue her painting. Laurine gained national recognition for her watercolor paintings of old outhouses. Her art work remained important throughout her life.
Richard and Laurine also found time for many other cultural and civic activities. Their 66 years together was creative, joyful and ever mindful not only of their own good fortune, but of those less fortune. The directions and inspirations they left to their Foundation seek to further their lifelong ideals.
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