Judy Mae Zimbelman

Judy Mae Zimbelman of Cozad passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at Cozad Community Hospital at the age of 78. Judy was born May 5, 1944 in Harvey, Illinois to Charles and Nellie (Bullis) Peck. She grew up in the rural Gothenburg area where she attended school. Her senior year the family moved to Central City where she graduated high school.

Judy was united in marriage to Dennis Zimbelman on August 26, 1962 in Gothenburg Nebraska. They had three children, Greg, Scott, and Doug. Judy and Dennis lived the majority of their lives in Cozad, most recently on an acreage south of town, where they continued to reside at the time of her passing.

Judy was a kind, generous, and creative person. She loved her family most of all. Judy was always sending a text or calling for no reason other than to let you know she was thinking of you. Her creativity was everywhere in her home and yard. She loved to paint. Her paintings always held a meaning and purpose. She spent many hours sketching and contemplating before a brushstroke hit the canvas. When the grandchildren and great grandchildren came to visit, the crayons or paints were sure to come out. She loved to watch them create. Quilting was also one of her passions and she approached each one with the same thought for its design as she did with her paintings. Judy always had a thoughtful or imaginative post on Facebook. Her posts about the adventures of the creatures in her yard will be missed by all.

Although Judy had many jobs, she considered herself a social worker. She began her career at Southview Manor and later working at South Central Developmental Services. Her proudest career achievement was attaining her Social Services Certificate from the State of Nebraska and the job it led her to at Region II Human Services.

Her family and friends will miss her dearly.  Grandma, you are “Free to Be”!  Your family loves and misses you but we take peace in knowing you are laughing with your sisters and watching over us. 

Judy is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dennis; sons, Greg (Aleta) Zimbelman, Scott (Janna) Zimbelman, Doug Zimbelman all of Cozad; grandchildren, Lindsey (Isaac) Obermiller of Kearney, Lane (Chassi) Zimbelman of Kearney, Lauren (Ryan) Reynolds of Lexington, Courtney (Ally) Zimbelman-Burt of Lincoln, Eric (Lauren) Zimbelman of Cozad, Jacob Zimbelman of Kearney, Kyle Zimbelman of Kearney, Lucas Zimbelman of Kearney; great grandchildren, Landyn, Aspyn, Kennedy, Mila, Maddoc, Rex, Addilynn and Emily; Sister, Charlotte (Merlin) Nelson of Sedalia MO; brother, David (Charlene) Peck of Cozad; brother in law, Rod (Linda) Duffey of Minden; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She is preceded by her Parents, Charles and Nellie Peck; Sisters, Daphne Kufeldt, Gail Murray, Shirley Hoskins, Barbara Golden, and Sharon Duffey; infant siblings, Izola and Charles. 

At Judy’s request, there will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 2 PM. It will be held at the Zimbelman shop south of Cozad, 75574 Road 418.