(Aug. 11, 2005)
Former Powell High School teacher and coach, Vince Zimmer, died peacefully Thursday, Aug. 11 at his home in the Star Valley in the presence of his daughters and beloved wife, after fighting a courageous nine-month battle with melanoma. He was 66.
Catholic services will be held today (Tuesday, Aug. 16) at Schwab Funeral Chapel in Thayne. Father Carl Beavers, Father Jim Krah, and Deacon John Deti will be officiating.
Born Aug. 19, 1938, in Glentana, Mont. to John and Gertrude Zimmer, the 12th of 13 children, he attended early school in Peerless, Mont, then went on to the University of Wyoming, playing and lettering both in football and baseball. His college career was briefly interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army.
Upon finishing college, he successfully coached football and baseball and taught at the college and high school level for 20 years, shaping the lives of many young athletes. From humble career beginnings in Lusk, he went on to coach in Powell, Hiram Scott in Scottsbluff, Nebr., UNC in Greeley. Colo., UNLV in Las Vegas, the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Hellgate High in Missoula, Mont., and West High in Billings, Mont.
Vince was an enduring student of life and the academic world. He taught and coached in Powell from 1965 to 1967.
Leaving the coaching field, he moved his family to Wyoming to become a school administrator for 16 years. He was an active community member wherever he lived, including Star Valley, where he chose to retire, play golf, and enjoy life. He was an inspiring, motivating, spiritual influence for is family and a loving husband to Peggy. He will be missed greatly and remembered by all with respect and affection.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy; two daughters, Tiffany Zimmer of Boise, Idaho, and Cescilee Rall (Mike) of Salt Lake City, Utah; two grandchildren; two brothers, four sisters; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by Darcie, his daughter; his parents; five brothers; one sister; and his father-in-law, Bud Hoblit.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Holy Family Catholic Church Building Fund in care of Farrish Thompson, 448 Bowles Lane, Afton, WY 83110.