Raphael J. Zimmer

ZIMMER, Raphael J. “Ray,” Oct 24, 1926 – Apr 22, 2012. Raphael J. Zimmer completed his days on this earth on Sunday, April 22, 2012. On this morning, Ray left for heaven with the love and presence of his family…many at his bedside and many far away. Ray knew this love well…he and wife Ethel Jane created this love. Ray was born in the family home in Granite, Iowa, on October 24, 1926. He graduated from Larchwood, Iowa High School, after which he served honorably in the Navy Air Corps during WWII. Upon discharge from the Navy, he returned to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and studied business at Nettleton School of Business. While in Sioux Falls he was swept off his feet at the Arkota Ballroom by his future wife, Ethel Jane Powell. United in marriage on July 22, 1948, they soon began the adventure of raising nine children and eventually sharing the joy of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ray’s business life was rooted in the petroleum industry. It began in Huron, South Dakota while he was working for Standard Oil Company, and culminated in 1978 with the founding of Zimmer Oil Company in Omaha, Nebraska. Zimmer Oil Company was a family business. If you worked for Ray, you were cared for not only as an employee, but also as a valued friend and member of the “Zimmer Oil Family.” Zimmer Oil Company continued to grow until Ray’s retirement. Ray served as an officer and board member of the Nebraska Petroleum Marketers Association. He was also a long-time member of the Omaha Oilmen’s Club and Kiwanis club, and was involved as a Small Business Association mentor. Ray’s life was full. At all stages of life he enjoyed traveling. He loved his dogs, from Spot to Duke. The days on his boat, the “Jeffrey Ray,” always made for fun. His yard and his roses were beautiful, and he never met a squirrel or bird he did not want to feed. He and Ethel loved to dance. He loved to sing, and he loved to have his family gather and laugh. He lived life with hope and faith. Ray was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Zimmer; parents, John and Lizetta Zimmer; granddaughter, Megan Zimmer; son-in-law, Grady Baldwin; 6 sisters. He is survived by his wife, Ethel J. Zimmer; children and spouses: Jack and Mary Zimmer, Larry and Peggy Zimmer, Dan and Beth Zimmer, Kathy Baldwin, Rick and Pat Zimmer, Greg and Kay Zimmer, Terri and Bryan Becker, Lisa and Joe Blankman; daughter-in-law, Marcy Zimmer; 32 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sisters, Geraldine Zimmer, Darlene Nelson and husband Ron; brother, John Zimmer; nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Tuesday, 5pm to 7pm, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm at the West Center Chapel. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL Wednesday, 1:30pm, Christ the King Catholic Church. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association.

HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER Mortuaries and Crematories 7805 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-3900