Gerald 'Gerry' Lee Kimzey, 88

Gerald L. Kimzey, 88, passed away on April 11, 2026, surrounded by family, and after an extended battle with heart disease and dementia. 

He was born in Sandpoint, Idaho on May 24, 1937, to Walter S. Kimzey (of Evans, Colorado) and Inez E Kimzey (Blakesley, of Loveland, Colorado). After growing up in and around Sandpoint, he attended the University of Idaho (Moscow, Idaho), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He then joined the US Forrest Service full time, participating in surveying, planning, and project execution across Northern District National Forrest and Grasslands sites. He met Barbara Meyer, a nurse from Fargo, North Dakota, and working in Denver while she was visiting her sister Carolyn in Kalispell. They were married on Jan. 16, 1969, in Sedalia, Colorado, in the living room of Douglas County Judge Calixte "Bud" Hebert, with her belongings already packed for the drive back to Kalispell. They set up their permanent household in Kalispell the following year, where they resided until her passing in 2025.

Gerry continued his tenure at the USFS until his retirement in 1994, and Barbara retired several years later, working almost 30 years for the Kalispell Regional Hospital. Gerry ate well as Barbara was both a talented cook and gardener, and he otherwise enjoyed his time raising their children, playing golf, bowling, and enjoying the outdoors — walking and boating. Barbara and Gerry traveled the world but took their greatest pleasure from time with friends and family, particularly their role as indulgent grandparents.   

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Inez (Blakesley) Kimzey, brother, Kenneth Kimzey and daughter, Ann Kimzey. 

He is survived by his sister, Eva Lou (Kimzey) Selle, daughter, Amy Kimzey, son-in-law, Scott Berger, granddaughters, Katarina and Melanie Berger, and a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews. 

The family is conducting a private funeral. In lieu of flowers, they request that you please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.