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Klaehn, Fahl, Melton Funeral Home

6424 Winchester Road

Fort Wayne, Indiana

RYAN ZIMMERMAN Obituary

RYAN D. ZIMMERMAN, 25, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. He was born on March 6, 1986, in Fort Wayne. He was employed with Primco, Inc. and was a member of River Christian Church. He is survived by his father, Dwayne D. (Juva) Zimmerman of Fort Wayne; mother, Laurel M. (Michael) Miller of Roanoke, Va.; fiancé, Abby Miller and her dad, David Miller of Fort Wayne; sister, Spencer (Garin) Stephan and their daughter, Esmi; sister, Haley Miller of Roanoke, Va.; brother, Tanner Miller of Roanoke, Va.; sister, Elana Zimmerman of Fort Wayne; grandmothers, Sharon (James) Taylor of Decatur and Sharyl Pratt of Hartford City; great-grandmother, Maxine Johnson of Hartford City; grandfathers, Lloyd (Ruth) Zimmerman of Huntington and Paul "Brad" Light of Fort Wayne; step-grandparents, Hazel and Jack Miller of Jackson, Mich.; and uncle, Andrew Light of Fort Wayne. "Ryan was an avid hunter and sportsman. He loved his family, fiancé and God with all his heart. Ryan wrapped his heart around everyone he knew." Funeral service is 11 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2011, at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road. Visitation is from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Preferred memorials to the family. www. klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers from Apr. 16 to Apr. 18, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for RYAN ZIMMERMAN

Not sure what to say?





Shonee Bobilya

July 13, 2011

Dwayne, I'm so sorry for the loss of your son. May you find strength in God and your family during this time.

Krissa Jackson

July 13, 2011

Ryan, you were my 1st and last nephew. I know God has mysterious ways and reasons for the things that he does. He brought you to us with much happiness and took you away with sadness; yet it brought the family closer which is what I know you would have wanted. You were always a bright spot in everyones lives. I will forever hold a candle up and praise God for the years that I had with you! Much love, Aunt Krissa

Sharon Taylor

July 12, 2011

Ryan you were my fist born grandchild. I didn't know how I would get thru the passing of my mom. For she had passed away in Dec. 1985. But God sent you to us on her birthday and I always will know that you helped me heal. I just don't know why you were taken from us so early, but I will trust God and someday He will tell us. So many miss you here and we wish we could just go with you, but we have to wait in his time. Love you so much. Grandma Taylor

Laurel Miller

July 10, 2011

my son, my beloved oldest son. I had such a beautiful speech written for you for your rehearsal dinner. I should have read it to you the last time we spoke on that Sunday. I am so very very sorry for what you had to experience in your last moments. But I know you are at peace with your savior. He swooped you up and took you home, a home where we will live together for eternity. I will never move away like I did and we will work live love and play together. I miss you so much here. The sun came out the day you were born ry. I love you always and forever. Mommy

Tim & Kathy Pedro

May 9, 2011

Laurel, Mike, and family,

We are so deeply sorry to hear of Ryan's passing. We have many fond memories of Ryan, Spencer, and Haley as youngsters playing with our girls when you lived next door to us on Crescent Avenue. The love Ryan had for his Mom, little sisters, and family was very evident to us back then. We know he will be missed very, very much. You are all in our family's prayers...

Tim, Kathy, Amanda, Megan, & Becky Pedro (also Joey, Jon, & Hannah)

Keith & Michelle Amstutz

May 1, 2011

To the family of, Ryan D. Zimmerman, With our most deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. We lost our 22 year old son, Joshua David, in 2007. Our hearts broke when we heard about your, Ryan. You are in our thoughts & in our prayers. We are in a group called, The Compassionate Friends, it is for families to offer friendship, understanding and hope to them in their bereavement. We welcome parents, siblings, and grandparents grieving the loss of a child, sibling, or grandchild of any age, and from any cause. At the meetings we share our experiences resulting from our child's death, and how we deal with those experiences. The chance to talk and share and listen is so important in the grieving process. If you ever are interested in attending, there is no time frame in which to start coming. Come when you think you are ready to meet others who understand how you feel. There is a chapter in Fort Wayne that meets on the First Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm, with the exception of July when there is a Balloon Release & December is a Candle Light Service. Meeting address: First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St. Room 303. There is also a chapter in Columbia City, IN & in Van Wert, OH. For any further information at ~ www.compassionatefriends.org & for chapter location & time.

Lois Andrews

April 26, 2011

We will miss you boy. You were our first in the batch your mother and I gave the family of a new generation. Our precious Ry Ry. We were all so very proud of you all through out your life and most especially as you were excited to move into your new life with Abby as her husband and the father to your future children. We all have suffered a terrible loss and you will be remembered regularly by your family and friends the rest of our lives. I still can't believe your gone....

Carlee Selig

April 18, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss! I went to high school with Ryan. He was a fun-loving guy who will be missed by many! My heart hurts for his fiance, family, and friends! My prayers are with you.

Shari Wyatt

April 18, 2011

To Ryan's family -Although I did not know Ryan, my sympathies are with you and the family at this time. I am a friend of the Flohr/Huguenard families (Brad's in-laws). I am sorry for your loss. May God Bless and be with each of you.

Pamela Canning

April 18, 2011

My prayers are with Ryan's family and his fiance and her family at this difficult time. Trust in the Lord, he will sustain you through this darkest of times.

Remember those happy times with Ryan - they are priceless and sharing them with each other will bring light into the darkness.

I have never had the priviledge of meeting Ryan, however, I work with his Aunt Lois.

Bullock Family

April 18, 2011

My heart breaks for your family,so sorry for your loss.

amanda

April 18, 2011

I am so very sorry for your loss. I am selfish and want Ryan here with you. I know the Lord has plans we cannot understand but I trust in Him. You are not alone. Many are grieving with you and praying for you. "God will supply all your needs according to Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen" Philippians 4:19

Jill Baumann

April 18, 2011

Though I didn't know Ryan personally, I just wanted to express my condolensces to you and your family. I am praying for you that you can find peace someday knowing that Ryan is in heaven now and watching over you. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss.

William Lillard

April 18, 2011

Dwayne, Im sorry for your loss. Ryan was a wonderful son as you already know. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. GOD BLESS.

William Lillard

Dawn Fuller Harp

April 17, 2011

Lois and Lauri,
Sorry for the loss of your nephew and son. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Today and always.

Zane Anabtawi

April 17, 2011

Ryan, we grew up as friends playing little league baseball. We havent seen each other for a long time up till 2 years ago when we worked on st.joe and many other projects together and it was a joy to talk to you again.

You will be deeply missed and will always be my friend! Prayers go out to your family, friends, and everyone that knew you!

Judy MacDonald

April 17, 2011

R emember me as I was, We will meet again.
Y our sorrow is understood right now, but I am in no pain,
A ngels are my best friends, with Heavenly Hosts I live,
N o, the timing wasn't right, but it wasn't mine, it was His.

Z est for life is what I had, remember me that way,
I mpatient to make Abby my wife, I could have been careless that day
M indful that bad things can happen, and life can be real short,
M ercy surrounds us one and all, and that's a really good start.
E very one deals in thier own way, it's neither wrong or right,
R emember time will heal the wounds that are so raw today.
M emories will keep you close, it is the only way,
A nswers come in lots of time, you'll figure it out someday,
N ow live your life as best you can, we'll be together one day.

H ow very much I want you all to know I am at peace,
I was engulfed in Angels wings, we soared away with ease,
S afe in Gods beloved arms, it was awesome to say the least.

L ooking down on each of you from my Heavenly home above.
I hid my love in places that I knew you couldn't miss,
G uarding you with Angel wings, to bring you happiness.
H elp each other all you can, take the time to talk,
T hen practice tolerence like I did instead of finding fault.

S haring in your lives has always been my greatest pleasure
H elping you live and love and learn is a memory I'll treasure.
I nstill into your children the belief that God knows best,
N ever let them doubt their faith, the Lord will do the rest.
E mbrace the strength I've given you to bow your head and pray,
S on of God, look after them and guide them on their way.

O nly you can give the strength they need to comfort them,
N ow bless each dear one left behind, in Jesus' name, Amen

Kacey's Grandma

Betsy Light

April 17, 2011

Laurie, Mike, Spencer, Haley, Tanner, Lois, Bradley, Drew, Abby and all the family, know that we are with all of you in love and spirit, and we hope that your faith will help to sustain you in the days ahead. Sending our love and prayers to all,

Uncle Wayne and Aunt Betsy Light

Steve, Krista, Brent & Brian May

April 17, 2011

Dwayne, No father should have to bury their son. When I told Brent what had happened, he reminded me of the time we took the boys canoeing down Rock Creek - I had forgotten about that. He remembers how much fun he and and Ryan had playing in the water. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Robin Aldridge Fillers

April 17, 2011

So sorry for all of loss.

Jennifer Kennerk

April 17, 2011

No farewell words were spoken.
No time to say goodbye.
You were gone before we knew it,
And only GOD knows why.

Ryan you will be greatly missed by all who knew you. Please watch over Abby. You will always be part of our family.

April 17, 2011

Laural,Spencer Halley,Elana, I am so sorry for the loss you are feeling now. Just know how much I love and care, keeping you all in my prayers and thoughts. Knowing that time and God's love and mercy will comfort you in the days ahead. Love you all. Sharyl

April 17, 2011

Dwayne I know the loss you are going through now is more than words can express.But know that God in his infinite wisdom and mercy will bring all things into his light. May His love cover you and lift you up to give strength when you think you can't go on. I love you... Mom (Sharyl)

Holly Thiebaut

April 17, 2011

Our Prayers are with you in this time of need.

Holly Thiebaut

April 17, 2011

To the Zimmermans and Abby,
My prayers are with you in this time of need.
Juva and Elana,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Holly Thiebaut

randy saalfrank

April 16, 2011

To ryans family prayers from the Ouabache archers go out to you. We will be asking for a moment of silence at our 3d shoot tomarrow in rememberance of ryan

Cindy Popples

April 16, 2011

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Maria Logsdon

April 16, 2011

To Ryans family- My prayers will continue for you that you may find peace and comfort in such a tragic time.
To Abby- May you feel Ryan's love the strongest in the darkest of your days. May God grant you the strength to make it from day to day. Just remember: one day at a time, Love! Love you!!

Amanda Ferris

April 16, 2011

Lori, Mike, Haley and Spencer, i'm so sorry for your loss and have been praying for you guys everyday, Ryan will always be rememberd and sadly missed!

Amanda Ferris

April 16, 2011

Lori,Mike,Haley and Spencer, my prayer's are with u and Abby's family, He will always be remembered and if there is anything i can do please let me know.

M. R. James

April 16, 2011

Janet and I were saddened to learn of the tragic accident which claimed Ryan's life. We offer our prayers and sincere condolences to his family, fiance, and many friends.

Lisa Kennerk

April 16, 2011

You will be loved and missed forever. I will always call you my Son-in-law and I know that you will watch over Abby always.

Angele Butler

April 16, 2011

My prayers go out to the whole family, I remember when all of our children played together in Blackhawk Forest.I know your faith will keep you strong.

Carol Zimmerman

April 16, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bruce & Michelle Breyfogle & familly

April 16, 2011

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Farrah Huckleberry

April 16, 2011

My prayers are with your family.

George Womack

April 16, 2011

My Prayers are to the entire Family.

Ranelle, Brent, Justin & Jarrod Parker

April 16, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Words cannot make sense of such a tremendous loss. Lean on God to carry you through the next hours, days and weeks. He will see you thru.

Janice Adler

April 16, 2011

I did not know Ryan, but I am a construction worker and I can tell you that this horrible accident touch all of us who do this type of work. I ask for God's healing touch upon the family and Ryan's fiance...God speed

Kyle and Debbie Buikema

April 16, 2011

Our Prayers are with Ryan's Family and Abby and her Family.

Kathie, Rick & Eric Taylor

April 15, 2011

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. May you find comfort in God's love during these difficult days ahead. Abby, Drew, Brad and Ryan's entire family....you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Scott and Lisa

April 15, 2011

Words cannot express the tremendous loss for Abby and the families. Ryan was a special gift and made the world a better place. He will be greatly missed.

Margaret Proffitt

April 15, 2011

Our sincere sympathy to the Zimmerman/Light family. We are friends of Lois and Chelsea in South Carolina and were so sad to hear of your loss - your family and Ryan's fiance are in our thoughts and prayers.
Margaret, Graham, Ashley & Rachel Proffitt
Greer, SC

David & Teresa Miller

April 15, 2011

We'll miss you Ryan. You will always be our son-in-law. We love you.

Danielle Nason

April 15, 2011

My Dear Cousin. Although we never met, my heart breaks for your loss. What a handsome man you were. This family had endured to many tragic losses. Your memory will live on within the family. You are home now, and in a wonderful place. You will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family...and your beautiful bride to be...

Heather Tipsord

April 15, 2011

Our hearts are breaking for the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Ryan was such a special guy and such a sweet man. He will be missed.
The Tipsord Family

Tom & Sharon Suman

April 15, 2011

Sharon & Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Mother will be there to welcome him home.

Christine

April 15, 2011

Praying for you all and wishing blessings upon you throughout these next few days and always.

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