Obituary of Robert Gene Zima

Robert Gene Zima, 73 of Minneapolis, MN danced into heaven on August 28, 2023.  Preceded in death by his brother Dr. Willard Gene Zima Jr. Survived by his wife Carol Jane Zima, his daughter Amelia Rae Tyson and her husband Cleotis Clark Tyson and brother Jeffrey Gene Zima and wife Ivalisse Berrios and sister Nancy Jean Zima and her husband Anthony Gentry. Robert graduated from Columbia University in New York with a master's degree in the field of education.  Bob worked for 33 years as an itinerant vision teacher in St. Paul Public Schools.  Bob also enjoyed working at summer programs implementing independent living skills for students with vision impairments. These programs often included two-week ventures into wilderness campsites. 

He was a strong and hardworking supporter in the local music scene as well as a great lover of music and the arts in general. Bob was known for having a witty sense of humor and he lived life to the fullest. He spent his last months enjoying copious amounts of premium ice cream and sharing laughs with loved ones in the comfort of his home. In his last days he spoke of seeing angels and was often seen reaching upward saying" I'm coming" towards heaven. Bob passed away peacefully in his sleep. His cremains will be inurned at his home.  There will be several celebration of life gatherings this year to honor the bright memory of Bob.