Dale Harvey Zimmerman

Dale Harvey Zimmerman, whose life spanned nearly a century and embodied the virtues of Midwestern resilience, humility, and unwavering dedication to family and faith, passed away at the age of 96. He died peacefully, on October 8, 2024.

Dale was born on May 23, 1928, in Overland Park, Kansas to Walter and Violet Zimmerman. Growing up in Independence, Missouri during the height of the Great Depression in a modest home across from the railroad tracks, Dale learned the values of hard work, parsimony, and generosity at an early age. His childhood was a lesson in balancing self-reliance with empathy—train hopping “hobos” often knocked at his family's door, seeking a meal. Violet always offered them food, but not before they spent a few hours tending to her garden. These formative experiences rooted Dale in a belief that hard work and kindness should go hand in hand, principles that guided him throughout his life.

As a teen, Dale was up before dawn to deliver newspapers to office buildings in downtown Kansas City, balancing his paper route with school and chores at home. It was a work ethic that would remain with him throughout his life, woven into the fabric of everything he did.

After graduating from high school, Dale attended and graduated from Graceland College in Lamoni Iowa with an associate’s degree. Upon graduation on October 8, 1948 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Following his military service, he pursued higher education with the help of the G.I. Bill, earning a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Kansas. Shortly thereafter he met Beverly Robinson at a church event. Bev soon moved to Washington, D.C., and Dale followed, knowing he had found the love of his life. They married in Washington in 1953 and shared a remarkable 65-year partnership until Bev's passing in 2020.

In 1958, Dale and Bev moved to Binghamton, New York, where Dale took a chance on a new business venture. Not long after, he became the sole owner of Dataflow, Inc., a family-run printing business. Despite the demands of running a business, Dale always prioritized his family. He made it a point to come home for lunch, attend his children's sports events, and be a constant presence in their lives. His children, Ray, Dan, and Julie, recall his steadfast support and the many small ways he showed he cared, from cheering them on from the sidelines to sitting at the dining room table helping with homework.

Dale’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. As an ordained minister in the Community of Christ, he found purpose in serving others, whether by leading youth camps or fostering connections within the church. After moving to Port Charlotte, Florida, he and Bev remained active with church and neighbors, enjoying dinner and card nights, and relaxing on Blue Lake Circle. Dale’s outward demeanor, shaped by the stoic Midwestern values of his upbringing, belied a quiet warmth. He often surprised those around him with a cheerful whistle or singing a quirky tune, bringing joy to even the simplest moments. A lifelong reader, Dale thoroughly enjoyed a good mystery, and was even engaged in a John Grisham novel throughout his hospice stay.

Dale Harvey Zimmerman leaves behind a life defined by resilience, quiet generosity, a passion for knowledge, and a belief in living according to one's virtues. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, the value of family, the joy of a good book, and the strength of faith that guided him through the many chapters of his long and well-lived life.

Dale was predeceased by his parents, Walter George and Mabel Violet Zimmerman, and his brothers Neal and Keith Zimmerman. He is survived by his children: Ray Zimmerman of London, England; Dan Zimmerman of Binghamton, NY; and Julie McCormick of Rochester, NY, Son-in-Law John Cake. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren: Alexandre and Geoffrey Zimmerman, Hannah and Hunter Zimmerman, and Madeline and Sophie McCormick.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Community of Christ Church, Ft Myers, Florida on a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be directed to Outreach International at outreach-international.org to honor Dale's memory.