Pamela Jeanne Zimdahl

Pamela J. Zimdahl, devoted mother, wife, grandmother, sister, and daughter, passed away on January 2, 2012 in Fort Collins. Pam was born and raised in Denver, the daughter of J.R. Dick and Helen L. Lutz. Pam the oldest of four girls, and her 3 sisters, Jan, Kate and Julie grew up in Denver with devoted parents. Pam graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and then attended CSU and received her Bachelor's degree in December 1968 and the Masters of Education in 1989. Pam began her working life as an English teacher. The arrival of her sons, Matt and Ryan McLean soon gave her other paths to pursue. Pam returned to Fort Collins in 1976 as a single parent, and devoted herself to raising her sons, Matt and Ryan, and starting a new career. Pam worked tirelessly to raise her family as she began a steady rise in the CSU system. She guided her sons through elementary, junior high and high school, and was an exemplary breadwinner and homemaker; ensuring her sons had as many opportunities as possible. Pam assisted both sons in their post high-school education by teaching English at Front Range Community College at night and during her lunch hours while maintaining and advancing her employment at CSU. Her selfless efforts on behalf of her family were amply rewarded as both sons succeed in their chosen careers. Pam initially worked at the CSU veterinary school before moving to the Hartshorn Health Service where she rose to become the Associate Director before retiring in 2008, after a 32 year career. Pam met Bob, a CSU professor in 1992. They married in 1993 and had 19 wonderful years together. Although she had not previously traveled internationally, she and Bob traveled extensively throughout the world, including visits to Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and South America. They circled the globe together when Bob was chosen as Dean of a Semester At Sea voyage. In retirement Pam and Bob continued to enjoy traveling and visiting family in the US. But home was her favorite place. She always loved animals and found joy in adopting two cats, Frank and Perry, who quickly became members of the family, even though they slept in the garage. Breakfast was served every morning. As Pam and Bob's children began raising families, Pam enjoyed being Grammy Pammy to her grandsons, Conor McLean, Dylan Galt, Taegan Zimdahl; and granddaughters, Hannah, Makenna, and Amanda McLean, Phoebe Galt, and Jenna Zimdahl. All are sure she will endure in their memory. Her death is mourned equally by her sons, Matt and Ryan and Bob's children Randy, Jennifer, Bob and Tom. Pam is survived by her husband, Bob; her mother, Helen Lutz; son, Matt and Daughter-in-law, Heather McLean, son, Ryan McLean; her sisters, Jan Meston, Kate Leone, and Julie Lutz; step-daughter, Jennifer Galt and husband, Fritz, Randy and Michelle Zimdahl, Thomas and Briana Zimdahl, and Bob O. Zimdahl. Pam left this world much too soon, and her loss will be felt by all who knew her. All will remember her sunny personality, ready smile, determination, and love of family and friends. She was a unique woman; all who knew her, especially her family and Bob loved her deeply. Her death is our loss. A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 9, 2012 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1709 West Elizabeth Street, Fort Collins. A brief reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be sent to the Colorado State University Foundation, care of Ms. Kathleen Henry, President, P.O. Box 1879, Fort Collins, CO 80522 or made at https://advancing.colostate.edu/pamzimdahl to support the Pamela J. Zimdahl scholarship for undergraduate students in the health services.

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Pamela Jeanne Zimdahl

April 22, 1946 - January 3, 2012