Gary Kimberlin, age 55, of Hysham

Gary Clarke Kimberlin
2/15/1966 – 2/13/2022
On the morning of February 13, 2022 Gary was finally free from the pain he had endured for 14 yrs. He was exactly where he wanted to be, at home surrounded by those who love him. He fought chronic heart failure caused by West Nile Virus and did everything possible to beat it including an open heart surgery to get and LVAD and prepared to be put on the transplant list.

Gary Clarke Kimberlin was born in Miles City, MT to William Martin Kimberlin and Bonnie Jean Kochel Kimberlin. He moved many times during his childhood due to his dad being in the Air Force. He graduated from Douglas Byrd Sr High in Fayetteville, NC in 1984. In 1984-1992 he served in the Navy for his country. Most of his time there he was on the USS Sea Devil. He was proud to serve his country and his only regret was that he couldn’t serve for longer.

In 1996 he attended Miles Community college to get his associates degree in nursing. There he met Debbie Rowe and they married in 1997. Together they had a son Ian Kimberlin on May 20, 1998. They later divorced but they remained great friends. While working in Rosebud healthcare Center in Forsyth, in 2004 Gary met Amy Willems. He accepted her 2 kids as his very own. They married December 29, 2004. During his nursing career he worked in RHCC, St Vincent’s Healthcare Hospital, and Billings Clinic Hospital both in Billings. In 2018 Gary finally had to quit nursing due to his heart. It crushed him to have to do it. Nursing was his life, his second family.

Our daughter, Billie, summed up the person Gary was better than I can:

“This man left this world this morning so he can walk through the gates of heaven. He passed away surrounded by loved ones at home. He served our country and after getting out he became one of the best damn nurses. He stepped up to the plate when it came to being Serena’s and I’s dad when he didn’t have to. He gave me a brother and two more sisters. Worked his ass off all his life and lived to make his family happy. He was a wonderful father, son, husband, pappy and over all just an amazing man. Too many words I can say about him but I love you so much father and I will miss you a lot! I so wish you could have met your youngest grandson and that you could’ve seen your other grandkids one last time. Fly high Dad, hug my girls and grandma for me”

Ian also had beautiful words to say about his dad:

“The best Dad I could ever have ever had. I wish I spent more time with you but time is so taken for granted these days and I got lost in it. I’m glad you are comfortable with family, and if it’s time for you to go, please swing by and check on me from time to time. There’s so much I want to tell you. He was an amazing father, I’m proud to call him Dad. It doesn’t feel real but at least he isn’t in pain anymore. I’m sure he will have our backs moving forward but I miss him dearly. I love you, Dad”

Gary is survived by his wife Amy, ex-wife and good friend Debbie Rowe, kids Ian Kimberlin, Billie Jean Clark (Kevin), Serena Brosseau, Lilly Kimberlin, Clara Kimberlin, Dad Bill Kimberlin (Linda), and sister Peggy Kimberlin.

He joined his Mom Bonnie Kimberlin, Mother-in-law Laurie Willems, granddaughters Mya Willems and Ava Clark in heaven.

I don’t think Gary knew what a great person he was. I hear praises from patients, co-workers, and just people he met. He was a humble man and he will be missed.

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Tuesday February 22, 2022

Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home

Forsyth, Montana 59327

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Funeral Service

11:00 AM

Wednesday February 23, 2022

Hysham Presbyterian Church

Hysham, Montana 59038

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Interment with Full Military Honors

Following the Funeral Service

Wednesday February 23, 2022

Ranchers Cemetery

Hysham, Montana 59038

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