Himle was born in Voss, Norway and moved to the United States with his family in 1850.
In 1857, Himle moved to Vernon Township, Dodge County, Minnesota and was a farmer.
He served as a recruiting officer in Rochester, Minnesota during the American Civil War.
Himle died at a hospital in Bismarck, North Dakota.
His great-great grandson John Himle also served in the Minnesota Legislature.