Richard L. Zinsmeister

Richard L. Zinsmeister, 85, of Elkhart, passed away at his residence on Monday, September 23, 2019. He was born in Bloomington, IL to the late Lyndll and Marion F. (Schumate) Zinsmeister.

He married Pamela S. (Muir) Zinsmeister on September 22, 1956, who passed away on December 5, 2018. Pamela and Richard spent 62 wonderful years together, including five additional years while they were courting. Now, they are reunited with one another again. He is also preceded in death by his parents and sister, Shirley Burke. Richard is survived by his two sons, Jeff (Shari) and John (Lisa) Zinsmeister; 5 grandchildren, Jake Zinsmeister, Krista (Ryan) Seigert, Stephanie Merrit, Nicole Frisinger, Jamie Deaton; 7 great grandchildren, Levi Seigert, Lacy Siegert, Klarity Merrit, Kaden Merrit, Addison Frisinger, Nicholas Frisinger, and Zoe Zinsmeister.

Richard served proudly in the United States Army and was an auxiliary police officer in Park Forest, IL for several years before becoming a full time Fire Fighter in Park Forest for over 25 years. He was also a talented custom cabinet maker and loved to ride his motorcycle with his wife, Pamela, by his side. He and Pamela were members of the BMW Club in the Chicago region and later in the South Bend/Elkhart area. Richard was a man of his word and was always willing to lend a helping hand to his neighbors. He always kept his promises and would go out of his way to be a good friend, neighbor, husband, father, and grandfather. Richard loved his family immensely and he will be missed greatly by them all.

In accordance with Richard and the family’s wishes, cremation will take place at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart. No public services will be held at this time. Memorial donations can be given to the family directly or to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.

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