Richard E.(Dick ) Zimmer, 86, of Villa Hills, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at home on February 16,
2024. Richard was born on October 3, 1937, to Ed and Isabell Zimmer of Lakeside Park. He attended
Blessed Sacrament Grade School, St. Xavier High School and his beloved St. Bernard Preparatory School
in Cullman, Alabama.
He is joined in glory by his parents and his brother Tom Zimmer. Along with many friends and family he
cherished. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara J. Ehlman-Zimmer of 61 years. His four beautiful
children Rich, Catherine, Amy Russell (Tom) and Christopher (Mandy) Zimmer. His greatest joy his 8
grandchildren. Chase (Ashton), Connor, Eli, Micah, Korra, Kenna, Cash and Presley. His sister Susan
Archambault. Along with many nieces and nephews he dearly loved.
Dick never knew a stranger. His love for people and life complemented his career as he joined the family
business Zimmer Motors in 1961 as a second-generation owner. He thrived helping build the family
business over the years, alongside his brother and has enjoyed watching it thrive to a third generation.
He spent many years traveling to Detroit auctions, where he made lifelong friendships in the auto
industry. His love for cars and horsepower often found him at the racetrack with his boys and his
friends. One of his favorite past times was taking an annual trip to the Daytona 500.
Dick loved to give with a smile, a hug, and a good bottle of wine. His favorite thing included his Saturday
trips to Findley Market to buy his favorite goodies and do his weekly deliveries to his favorite people. In
the spring it was a trip to Indiana for flowers, to which he was fondly named the flower fairy. He always
had something to share, mostly his warm home he built with his wife, that was filled for years with so
many memories by all who entered and gathered around the table.
“Paw Paws” favorite spot to this day is his getaway at Perry Park Golf Resort. To which he shared so
generously with his friends and family. His annual vacations with his family, time spent in Florida each
winter and all the times on the water over the years. His passion was fast cars and boats. To which he
could sit and watch them roll by for hours. He loved the Bengals and his tailgate pre games. He was the
true captain of the families Bengals bus over the years. Yet his most proud moments were on the
sidelines cheering on his grandchildren’s games and activities.
Dick fought many battles over the 86 years mostly with his sheer resilience and positive attitude. Most
notably of these was Parkinsons Disease, which he made it his mission to help others in the battle along
side him. He proudly started the local chapter of the Parkinson Fight Club of Northern Kentucky (at Pee
Wees). Helping others battling alongside him to gain knowledge and support in their fight against their
disease. His other leadership roles were past President of the Covington/Kenton Lions Club and member
of the United States Army.
The most important of all this immense life he lived was faith and family. He was a true Patriarch who
led everyone with a genuine love and trust of Christ. He valued family and the importance of being
together. He led by example of being grateful in this life for all you are given. For always having a
positive attitude, a humble giving spirit, a forgiveness unmatched and a gratitude for his life he was
abundantly blessed with on this earth. A large spirit has joined his eternal home, his legacy will surely be
felt here in his family who carries on.
A viewing will be held at St. Joseph Church in Crescent Springs, KY on Wed Feb. 21 from 4-6 pm with Mass of Christian Burial
immediately following. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the following:
Parkinsons Support and Wellness
260 Stetson Street
Cincinnati Ohio 45219
DCCH Center for Children and Families
75 Orphanage Road
Fort Mitchell, KY 41017
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
4:00 - 6:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. Joseph Church
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
6:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. Joseph Church
Visits: 2476
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors