Robert James Zimbrick, 81, passed away at his home in Dickinson on Friday, August 26, 2016, surrounded by his loving extended family and friends. Death was caused by complications due to sudden onset of multiple myeloma.
Robert was born in Dickinson July 11, 1935, to parents John J. and Margaret (DeFea) Zimbrick of Killdeer. Robert grew up with his family in Killdeer until the age of seven, when the physicians at Mayo Clinic determined that he needed special care only available at Grafton State School. From 1942-1991, Robert was enrolled at Grafton and for a time at San Haven before moving to Dickinson in1991 to receive care from ABLE, Inc.
Robert enjoyed swimming, social activities, and all types of music, especially singing, and would tap his feet or dance with his family members and friends. He also liked to go on shopping and sightseeing trips with staff and pick out things to buy, to the delight of the store cashiers. His daily duty was to go with staff to the ABLE main office and help bring the mail to the Ridgway group home.
He is survived by his brother, Dr. John D. (Anita M. Siebman) Zimbrick, Lafayette, Ind.; two nephews: James P. McReynolds, Fairbury, Ill., and David J. Zimbrick, Kansas City, Mo.; and one niece, Elyzabeth F. Navarre, who teaches elementary school in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara A. McReynolds; and niece, Maureen McReynolds.
Robert was Catholic and received the Last Rites of the church before his death. A memorial Gathering will be held at Ladbury Funeral Service on Friday, September 30, 2016, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., this will be followed by a graveside service and inurnment at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Dickinson.
