In Memory of Kenneth Wayne Zimmerman

On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, Kenneth Zimmerman was hit by the driver of a vehicle while riding his bicycle in Rockingham County. Kenneth was hit on VA 257, Ottobine Rd between Clover Hill Rd (613) and Montezuma. We're raising funds to support his family. All funds will go directly to Kenneth's widow, Amanda Wenger.

The bicycle community is heartbroken by this tragedy. As Steve Dintaman eloquently wrote in a letter to Kenneth's family, "I wanted you to know that the entire biking community here in the valley is mourning with you. We are saddened by the loss of your son, husband, father, and friend. On behalf of the entire biking community, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family."

Ottobine Road connects VA 42 to Dayton, Montezuma, Ottobine, and Briery Branch. The road is frequented by people on bikes, horses and buggies, farm equipment, and many other slow-moving vehicles. Many people who ride bikes in the Valley are familiar with this route and have ridden on it.

The Bicycle Coalition is in discussion with VDOT to determine whether the shoulders could be widened on this section of road as outlined in the Rockingham County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (page 71 of pdf) Project R-54B.

We also want to thank Gerald of Mole Hill Bikes for his help setting up this fundraiser to support Kenneth's family.

Obituary for Kenneth Wayne Zimmerman from the Daily News Record

Kenneth Wayne Zimmerman, 26, of Dayton, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2023, as a result of a bicycle accident. Kenneth was born on Dec. 19, 1996, and was a son of Jeffrey and Marie Showalter Zimmerman.

He worked as a self-employed farmer and worked part-time at Honey Run Repair. He was a member of the Old Order Mennonite Church.

On April 8, 2020, he married Amanda Wenger, who survives.

Also surviving, in addition to his wife and parents, are a son, Addison Blake Zimmerman; in-laws, Glendon and Melissa Wenger; siblings, Jeremy Zimmerman and wife, Lorisa, Lisa Wenger and husband, Anthony, Weston Zimmerman, Michelle Zimmerman, Regina Zimmerman and Steven Zimmerman; two sisters-in-law, Audrey Wenger and husband, Justin, and Caroline Wenger; one niece, Holly Zimmerman; three nephews, Tyler Zimmerman, Alex Wenger and Jamie Wenger; grandparents, Ellen Zimmerman, Ethel Wenger, and Paul and Esther Rohrer; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Mary Ellen Showalter and Harvey Zimmerman; and one brother, Seth Zimmerman (stillborn).

Ministers of the church will conduct a funeral service Friday, April 14, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Riverdale Old Order Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

The body will be taken to the home, 9430 Waggys Creek Road, Dayton, where the family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 13.

The family wishes to thank everyone who has blessed them with food, prayers, and other acts of kindness during this time.

McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.