Robert M. “Bob” Zimmerman 66, died Friday, November 22, 2019 at his Newton residence. He was born December 25, 1952 in Newton, Kansas to Allen and Mary (Anduss) Zimmerman. On August 14, 1971 Bob married Marla S. Sargent in Newton and she survives of the home.
Bob was a 1970 graduate of Hesston High School in Hesston, Kansas. He began working for Norman Wiens at concrete vaults in Newton in 1971. He became the General Manager of DORIC concrete vaults under Jim Wiens in the early 1990’s following Normans death. Bob was proud of his work with the many Kansas funeral directors he served through the years. He made many lasting friendships in his work in the funeral business. He was an integral part of the growth and expansion of CVI/DORIC. He helped guide new employees to continue the level of service CVI was known for as the company expanded from Kansas to serving customers in Texas, Colorado and surrounding states. Bob enjoyed being a mentor not only to DORIC employees that worked with him but also to the young and not so young funeral directors he worked with on a daily basis. He enjoyed his work and put in many hours taking care of other people.
A relaxing time for Bob was when he was hunting deer, dove or quail around Great Bend. He also enjoyed target shooting. He and his wife of 48 years Marla looked forward to spending a couple weeks a year in a rented cabin near Cripple Creek, Colorado. They made the trip to Colorado for over 25 years and enjoyed exploring the area and finding new backroads to explore, new restaurants and of course the casino in Cripple Creek.
Family time was important and he looked forward to spending time with his wife, four grandchildren; Sabrina, Aspen, Michael and Payton as well as his son Scott and daughter Kati.
His loyalty and friendship will be missed by all who got to know him.
He is survived by his wife Marla of the home; son Scott and his Fiance Dwila Busse of Newton; daughter Kati Zimmerman of Newton and 4 grandchildren.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter Jayme Sue Zimmerman.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday December 1, 2019 at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church 1200 Boyd in Newton, Kansas. Fred Petersen will be the Celebrant. Private family interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery, Newton, Kansas.
Memorials in Bob’s memory are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in care of Petersen Funeral Home 215 North Main Newton, Kansas 67114
Bob was such a great guy to work for. His presence will forever be felt around the shop and his memory forever cherished. My condolances to Marla, Scott, Kati and the kids.
With sincere condolences and prayers to you and family
Marla, Scott, Kati, and family.
I want to express to you my sincerest condolence on Bob’s death. As his story tells, I am one of those many Kansas Funeral Directors whose life he impacted over my 35+ years in this business. He loved the work that he did and the help he was able to give others. I will fondly remember times spent in all those cemeteries, at all the district meetings and conventions.
My most cherished memory of Bob would be this past January, at my wife’s funeral service in Lafayette, CO, when I looked up and saw him walk thru the door with Jim, Sharon, and Mike Turnbull. The fact that I knew that he probably wasn’t feeling well, but still thought enough to want to come, was beyond words, but tells the incredible character he had.
I pray that you will be richly blessed by the many memories you too share.
He was always patient with us rowdy kids. I’ll miss him.
Bob was not only a great Forman but an awesome kind and generous friend that I will miss dearly!!!!
My prayers for all the family….
I’m so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing, may God hold you in his arms, and help you to find peace in your hearts…
So sorry about Bob. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
I met Bob in the 70’s and from that day he has always been a great friend and example of a person that I could depend on. Whenever you saw Bob he had a hello and a grin. My condolences to all of his family.
I’m sorry for your loss of Robert. He was a good man, and good men are missed when they pass on.
My thoughts and prayers are with you across these miles. He made a lasting impression on all who knew him and I’m thankful I was one of them.
Love always,
Melissa and Alyssa and family
I worked at CVI for 6 years and was afraid to even look at or speak to Bob for the first two. By the time I left the company, he was my work dad. He would walk through the front door each day and I would greet him as Bo-Bo, and he would sit next to my desk in the reception area and we would just chat. I could always bother him about things a girl needs a dad’s help with: what kind of tires for my car, how to use a multimeter, what to do about pesky raccoons, etc. I am so grateful to have known him and I will miss him greatly.