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Robert “Bob” Zimbelman
Robert “Bob” Zimbelman
Robert “Bob” Zimbelman, 94, passed away on January 21, 2025, at his home in Grand Living, Georgetown, Texas. He was born on September 4, 1930, in Keenesburg, Colorado, to George and Molly (Trupp) Zimbelman, the oldest of four children.
Raised on an Ayrshire dairy farm, Bob pursued his interest in animals receiving a BS in animal science from Colorado State University and a PhD in endocrinology from the University of Wisconsin. He joined the Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan as a research scientist in 1960. His dedication and many contributions in the development of drugs led to a distinguished 27-year career retiring as Director of Scientific Affairs for the Pharmaceutical and Research and Development Division. He launched his second career when he accepted the position of Executive VP for the American Society of Animal Science opening a new office in the Washington, D.C. area.
While a student at CSU, he met and married Phyllis Foster. Following graduation Bob entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant and served in Korea from 1952-1954. Bob and Phyllis had four children (Karen born at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma), David (born in Wayne, Nebraska, while Bob was in Korea, Mark (born in Madison, Wisconsin), and Brian (born in Kalamazoo, Michigan). Some suggested they stop moving as they had a child at each major location they lived.
In 1987 Bob married Arlene Kruse (Boling) Cox in Kauai, Hawaii and gained a step-son, Ronald “Scott” Boling. His new career with ASAS allowed him to travel extensively and so began Bob and Arlene’s love of travel that carried on into retirement. He was fortunate to visit more than 45 countries and all 50 states. Bob was also active in the American Society of Germans from Russia, tracing his ancestors who were Germans from Russia and Ukraine. He was thankful his grandfather and grandmother came to the U.S. in 1906 and settled in Loveland, Colorado. In 2006 Bob and Arlene moved from Maryland to Sun City, Georgetown, Texas, to enjoy the retirement lifestyle.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother James; sister, Shirley Schriener; brother-in-law, Jack Schriener; and Phyllis Foster (Zimbelman) Tingstad.
His loving family will miss his sparkling blue eyes, his competitive spirit when playing Liverpool Rummy, and his cooking Hoffen-Poffel and baking rye bread. Surviving are his wife, Arlene; five children - Karen Zimbelman (Chris Copple), David Zimbelman, Mark (Karen B.) Zimbelman; Brian (Angie) Zimbelman, Scott (Heather) Boling; brother, Darell (Suzanne); sister-in-law, Donna Zimbelman; 11 grandchildren - Eloise (Tim Bak) Zimbelman, Johanna (Dustin) Wilson, Aaron (Celisa) Zimbelman, Amy (Jordan) Wright, Mark “Robbie” (Brooke) Zimbelman, Christian (Katie) Zimbelman, Jennifer (Devan) Romano, Grant Boling, Maddison Boling, Maya Boling, Ava Boling; 14 great-grandchildren, Olivia, Katelyn, Andrew, Miles, Ruby, Peter, Philip, Timothy, Enna, Ella, Ava, Hyrum, Eliza and George.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Ramsey Funeral Home, 5600 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas, on March 8, 11 a.m. Inurnment will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.
His family takes comfort in knowing that his memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.