Father James Kimla

Father James Kimla of Whitefish Bay died on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital after a long illness, with his family and close friends at his side.
He was born on Aug. 26, 1949, in West Bend to the late John A. and Zita (nee Whalen) Kimla.
After graduating from St. Frances Cabrini School, Father Kimla attended De Sales Preparatory Seminary and St. Francis Seminary.
On Dec. 12, 1976, he was ordained by Archbishop William E. Cousins at St. Nicholas Church in Milwaukee. He celebrated his first Mass on Dec. 19, 1976, at St. Frances Cabrini Church in West Bend.
He served at St. Matthias, Milwaukee; St. Mary, Sheboygan Falls; St. James, Mequon; St. Joseph, Grafton; St. Francis Seminary as vocations director; St. Barbara, Milwaukee; St. Rafael the Archangel, Milwaukee; and St. Joseph, Wauwatosa.
He is survived by a brother-in-law, Ray Riegert; a brother, Jack (Shirley) Kimla; two sisters, Therese Bohn and Karen Kimla; close friend the Rev. Dennis Dirkx; a niece; nephews; great-nieces and nephews; great-great-nieces and nephews; other relatives; and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Riegert.
A Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wauwatosa.
Private burial will take place at Holy Angels Cemetery in West Bend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis De Sales Seminary.
Becker Ritter Funeral Home serving the family.