Father Dennis Zimmerman, 59, died July 13, 2012 at Via Christi St. Francis Campus in Wichita. He was born on July 18, 1952 at Greensburg the son of Bryce Dewayne and Ellen (Neumann) Zimmerman.
In 1974 Dennis graduated from Fort Hays State University and worked for Kirby Vacuum Cleaners until… moving to Liberal in 1980, where he became station manager for KSLS radio station. In 1986 he became CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Ulysses. While there he was ordained an Episcopal Deacon in 1997 and ordained a Priest in 1998. Dennis took a full time rectorship in Dodge City at St. Cornelius Episcopal Church in 1999, where he continued to preach until he passed away. In each community Dennis was heavily involved in many aspects: athletic umpiring, coaching, volunteering on boards, and serving others. He continued to be involved with his community until his passing. An avid Kansas University Jayhawk fan, Dennis always said “Kansan by birth and Jayhawk by the grace of God.”
Father Dennis is survived by his wife, Karen (Van Meter) Zimmerman of Dodge City; one daughter, Erika Zimmerman of Lawrence; one son, Joshua Zimmerman of Kansas City, MO; one sister, Kathy Adam of Plainville; and his mother, Ellen Boll of Plainville.
Funeral service will be held at Saint Cornelius Episcopal Church in Dodge City on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 1:00 PM with Bishop Michael Milliken presiding. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Mullinville. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Monday, July 16, 2012 from 2:00 – 8:00 PM with family receiving friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM.. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to St. Cornelious Episcopal Church in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.