Earl Lee KimeAug. 07, 1919 - Dec. 08, 2016MISHAWAKA - Earl Lee Kime, 97, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Southfield Village in South Bend. Earl was born on August 7, 1919 in North Liberty, to Elroy and Marie Kime and was the second oldest of seven brothers and two sisters. In June of 1946 he met Wanda Beehler; they courted for two months, became engaged, and then wed on November 10, 1946 in Mishawaka. He said they were old enough to know what they wanted which turned out to be true as they were married for 62 years. She preceded him in death on January 4, 2009. Surviving are his three children, John Kime of Mishawaka, Jeffery Kime of Valparaiso and Jan Peeples (Dan) of Noblesville; five grandchildren, Anna Peeples (Pedro Cruz), Adam Peeples (Jessie), Andrew Peeples (Lauren), Brian Kime and Madelyn Wilkime (Tim); great grandchildren, Lily, Nathan and Henry Peeples and a brother, Russell Kime of Mountain Home, AR.Earl always emphasized the importance of maintaining loving family connections. He liked to be in the midst of the family get-togethers with opinions, gossip, grandchildren and great-grandchildren going everywhere. He would often share that he felt blessed.He maintained a strong and opinionated connection with the spiritual part of life, first through his upbringing in the Church of the Brethern and later through the United Methodists. His background with the Church of the Brethern led him to Alternate Service as a Concientious Objector during World War II and he was proud of that service.He occasionally admitted he loved playing sports more than he loved studying and, at one time, hoped to be a coach. Eventually he decided he had become a coach, but not in the world of sports. Instead he found a long career as Executive Vice President for Portage Realty in South Bend. He also served as a former St. Joseph County Council Member and was a member of First United Methodist Church.From the time Wanda and Earl were first married, they hosted many foreign exchange students and then enjoyed traveling to visit many of them in their home countries. And after his retirement he maintained an active life of travel and family time with Wanda. He greatly enjoyed his woodworking shop and made numerous fine items of furniture for his children and grand children. In later years he became an avid gardener of sweet corn and heirloom tomatoes and this gentle man became the mortal enemy of any raccoon that threatened his sweet corn.He was able to remain on the farm well into his 90's because of the daily attention of his son, John. In his last year and, in particular, his last month with us, his life was enriched by the staff and friends of Southfield Village and the caring commitment of Karen and her colleagues from the SeniorCare organization. Visitation will be on Monday, December 12 from 3 to 6 p.m. in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, December 13 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Rick Taylor officiating. Burial will follow in Ferrisville Cemetery, Mishawaka where he will be laid to rest next to his wife, Wanda. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.