Dell Ray Zimmer

Dell Ray Zimmer, 79, of Peoria, Ariz., passed away on October 16, 2020 after a determined and brave fight with multiple myeloma.

Dell Ray grew up in Nebraska and was an avid Cornhuskers fan. He and his new family moved to Oregon in 1967 with the Umatilla Army Depot. As they worked to build their life and family in the Hermiston/Umatilla area, Dell Ray also worked a second job at Safeway at night. In 1971 Dell Ray joined Farmers Insurance as an agent. He worked to serve the greater Hemiston area and the people there for 44 years.

As an agent, Dell Ray was successful and recognized many times by his company, but he took the most pride in the times he was able to help his customers and friends in their times of need or loss. Anybody who has ever interacted with Dell Ray has always walked away feeling better.

Golf was Dell Ray’s passion, but he also enjoyed a competitive game of basketball or tennis with his many friends and loved ones. He could beat most people in a game of pool and ping pong, but he would always compliment you as you lost.

Dell Ray was a supportive and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother who would do anything for his family. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judy, his two children, Michele (Zimmer) Wallace and Brad Zimmer. He will also greatly be missed by his son-in-law Michael Wallace, daughter-in-law Jennifer Zimmer and his grandchildren: Blake and Bryce Wallace, Devin Zimmer, Katelynn (Zimmer) John, her husband Matthew, their son Pierce, his brother Verdell Zimmer, and his loyal lapdog Daisy.

Dell Ray joins his mother, Vivian Ickler, sister Carolyn, and grandson Garrett Zimmer in heaven.

A celebration of Dell Ray’s life was held in Peoria, Arizona on October 20, 2020. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Mayo Clinic for cancer research. Their giving page is as follows: https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC