Born: Sunday Oct-22-1961
Died: Wednesday Nov-17-2021
Funeral: Saturday Dec-11-2021

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

PASTOR RICK ZIMMERMAN
RUPERT- Pastor Rick Zimmerman, 60 of Rupert Idaho, returned to the heavenly arms of his Savior on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. He was surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.

Rick was born October 22, 1961 to Shelby and Juanita Zimmerman of Rupert. He was the first of 3 siblings, a miracle baby, and made sure to fully uphold his role as the older brother. Rick adored his parents and maintained a very close relationship with them over the years. Growing up, Rick was always underfoot of his dad as he built the family home or worked on projects around the yard. He spent many years out on his grandpa Henry Schaeffer’s farm and learned many skills there that helped him become a jack of all trades, as well as the handyman everyone knew to call for help. Rick took great pride in his ability to fix anything from cars, or lawn mowers, to washing machines, and even broken hearts and lost souls. Anyone who knew Rick knows that nothing was junk to him, and he found treasures in every place he looked.

Rick graduated from Minico High School in 1980 and went on to spend time studying welding in Pocatello as well as attending bible school in San Antonio, TX. Upon returning home, Rick began pursuing Tammy Thompson, and the boy she swore she’d never marry, ended up sweeping her off her feet. Rick and Tammy married November 4, 1983. They welcomed a daughter, Crystal, and a son, Sheldon throughout their marriage, and they were two of Rick’s proudest accomplishments in this life. He gloried in having personally baptized both of his children, as well as presiding over the marriage of his daughter. Rick devoted his life to ministry, which was the biggest calling of his life, to reach the broken, lost and hurting in the community. He and Tammy served as Youth Pastors in different churches for a few years, some of their fondest memories as being the youth leaders at Praise Chapel in Rupert. When a greater capacity to serve was placed on their lives, and when the opportunity presented, they took on and currently pastored their own church: The Building of New Beginnings in Burley. Rick had a very special place in his heart for the youth, and many will remember him for the time he spent preaching in the detention center, the jail, and cooking hot dogs on Friday nights at the skate park. There was no person too broke, too lost, too far from God in Rick’s heart, and the legacy of welcoming them into the kingdom of the Lord will be seen in many years to come by the lives he touched. He spent the last 35 years employed at Amalgamated Sugar. He thoroughly enjoyed his job, and the coworkers he had, and never missed an opportunity to share his faith with them.

Rick is survived by his wife Tammy (Thompson) Zimmerman, daughter Crystal (Mark) Askew, son Sheldon (Dusti) Zimmerman, his parents Shelby and Juanita Zimmerman, sister Tami (Tab) Smith and brother Randy Zimmerman.  He is preceded in death by his in-laws, Walt and Joan Thompson, as well as maternal and paternal grandparents and uncles. A celebration of Rick’s life will be held Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Grace Church in Rupert. A visitation service will be held Friday, December 10, 2021 from 6-8pm at Morrison Funeral Home in Rupert. In lieu of flowers, the family currently has a GoFundMe set up, as well as a memorial fund through First Federal, to help alleviate the financial stress accrued with his passing. The family also wishes to send their sincerest thanks and gratitude to the first responders and ER staff at IHC in Burley, Air St. Luke’s and the St. Luke’s ICU hospital staff for the care and compassion shown to Rick and our family.  We can never thank you enough!

Rick will forever be known as a providing husband, compassionate father, dedicated son, courageous leader, heavenly teacher, preacher man, and friend. But as great as he was here, our family takes absolute delight in knowing he was called into heaven as “My good, and faithful servant.”

Dude, welcome home.

Condolences Pastor Rick Zimmerman

Tammy, our condolence to you from Kathy and myself, he was great to work with. you are a sweetheart he will be missed

Don Loveland

WE WERE SADDENED TO HEAR OF YOUR SON'S DEATH. WE WERE AWARE OF RICK'S MINISTRY FROM THE MANY DESCRIPTIONS YOU TOLD US ABOUT OF HIS COMMITMENT TO SERVING THE LORD JESUS AND HIS CONGREGATION. MAY THE PAIN AND SORROW OF HIS LOSS BE LESSONED BY THE MEMORY OF HIS DEDICATION TO HIS FAMILY AND MINISTRY

Nels and Pat Molle

Tammy and Family, Juanita and Family. We, (at the juvenile detention center) are heart broken to hear the news of rick's passing. he was the best part of detention for our residents. everyone looked forward to his visits. rick had such a love for christ and it showed when he talked to the kids and the staff. he would tell stories from the bible and make it so relatable to the kids that they would get involved with the conversation, and that is quite a feat with teenagers. he was loved by many and will be missed. God has an awesome angel. dude rest in peace

Colleen Howard

Dear Shelby & Juanita, you & your family are in my thoughts & Prayers.. Blessings to you all God Bless

Catherine N Ingalls