HONORING AN EDGERTON ICON … Edgerton School’s Arbor Day Program included planting a Red Maple in honor of the late Steven “Stevie” Kimpel. Pictured above from left to right are Pat Oxender, Marlene Oxender, Ed Kimpel, Karrie Kimpel, Don Kimpel, Sue Kimpel, Hayley Kimpel, and Mike Kimpel. All are family who joined in celebrating Stevie through the planting of the tree.
By: Jenna Frisby
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
This year Arbor Day was on Friday April 26th. To celebrate Edgerton Local Schools held a short program at the Saint Mary’s outdoor basketball court on Bement Street.
The program honored the late Steven “Stevie” Kimpel who just passed away in early March. The program consisted of several songs sung by Saint Mary’s students, Arbor Day history given by the Edgerton Tree Commissioner and Village Councilman, Chuck Wallace, a song sung by the Edgerton High School Choir, and several words given from Edgerton Mayor, Robert Day.
The program was dedicated in honor of Stevie, a lifelong Edgerton resident and icon. Stevie was born on May 21st, 1969 to Vern and Ruth Kimpel. When Stevie was born it was discovered that he had Down Syndrome.
Doctors told his parents that he should be institutionalized and that none of his 10 older siblings would except him.
Vern and Ruth refused to do that to Stevie, and instead took him home and loved on him. He grew up loved by not only his parents, but all of his siblings as well, and by the community of Edgerton.
Stevie always had a smile on his face. He was always positive and made his way to every sporting event he could.
He loved Edgerton and supporting his hometown in every way, but especially by being at basketball games. Stevie loved basketball. So, it was rather fitting that the ceremony was held on such a court.
In fact, the same court on Bement Street that Stevie grew up playing on as it was only two blocks from his home.
Stevie would play basketball with anyone that would play. He spent countless hours on that court and loved spending his time out with the community. Many would say he was the heart and face of the community.
Stevie was an incredible example of defying the olds given by doctors. From the beginning doctors said he wouldn’t live to be very old, yet Stevie lived to be 54 before he passed.
And the incredible things he accomplished in those 54 years is amazing to look back at. The love he gave the community, and the support he always held for others should do nothing less than inspire the rest of us to be more like Stevie.
His sister Marlene was so inspired by Stevie that she even wrote a book all about him titled “Stevie”. She wanted everyone to be able to know her baby brother and the impact he’s made on so many lives, especially in their community.
In honor of Arbor Day a tree was planted. In honor of Stevie that tree was a Red Maple, Stevie’s favorite tree. The Red Maple was planted as the program took place, right next to the court.
The Edgerton community will always remember Stevie, and years from now when little kids ask about the tree that gives them some shade next to their basketball court, they’ll get to know about Stevie and the legacy he has left behind.
Marlene Oxender’s book “Stevie” can be found and bought on Amazon.