Tom Rimmer Obituary

Thomas John Rimmer, 87, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Ottumwa, died at 1:33 p.m. February 6, 2024 at Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, IA. He was born September 26, 1936 in Ottumwa to William Rimmer Sr. and Viola Mae Fogle Rimmer. He traveled life's journey together with his loving wife Reva Kay Exline Rimmer whom he married August 4, 1959. They always had the love and support of their wonderful family. Tom attended Albia High School and served a short time in the U.S. Marine Corps. He worked 15 years at Bob's Market in Ottumwa as an assistant manager. For 15 years, Tom and Reva owned and operated Bob's Market as well as owned the Blakesburg Market for 8 years. It was a family operation; first managed by John and Nancy Hinkel and later John and Kim Rimmer. While operating the market, he went back to school, graduating from Ottumwa Heights College in 1971 with an AA Degree and from William Penn College in 1975 with a degree in Elementary Education. He taught at Douma and James Elementaries as well as worked at the Ottumwa board office as a Phase Three Coordinator. He was later nominated for Who's Who in Education and listed in the Library of Congress. He was elected and served on the Ottumwa City Council and the Ottumwa Community Schools Board of Education. In 1998 he graduated from Dubuque University of Dubuque Seminary becoming a licensed minister. He was appointed to New Sweeden United Methodist Church. In 2005, Tom moved to Cedar Rapids when his wife retired from the ministry where he was a member of Lovely Lane United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids. Surviving his is wife, Rev. Reva Rimmer of Cedar Rapids; their two children, John (Kim) Rimmer and Nancy (John) Hinkel; a grandson, Joe Hinkel; four granddaughters, Stephanie (Joel) Mixdorf-Rimmer, Jessica (Spencer) Kruse, Haley (Josh) Welch and Reanna Rex; six great-grandchildren, Maria Welch, Sophia Welch, Kiya Hinkel, Liam Kruse, William T. Mixdorf-Rimmer and Annabelle Mixdorf-Rimmer. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William Rimmer Jr. Visitation with family present to greet friends will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, February 12 at Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday at Reece Funeral Home with Rev. Scott Meador officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery in Ottumwa. As a 25-year survivor of a Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma diagnosis, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.