6/1/1949 – 10/17/2026
Hutchinson
Melinda Diane Crossman (Zimmermann), 77, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 17, 2026.
Born June 1, 1949, in Hastings, Nebraska, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Hope E. (Owens) Zimmermann. Melinda spent much of her life in Nebraska and Kansas, most recently residing in Hutchinson to be near family.
Melinda loved animals, especially cats, and had many beloved furry family members throughout her life. When she was younger, she enjoyed dancing and earned her pilot’s license. She was married first to Steven Thomsen of Lawrence, Kansas, with whom she had her first three children. She later married Gregory Crossman of Lawrence, Kansas, and together they adopted a daughter. They eventually divorced.
Melinda loved children and provided childcare for several years. She also worked for many years as a nurse’s assistant. In her later years, she devoted much of her time to volunteering, first at the Lawrence Humane Society in Lawrence, Kansas, and later at the Hutchinson Animal Shelter in Hutchinson, Kansas, where her daughter worked.
Melinda loved her family deeply and especially enjoyed spending time with them at Harlan County Lake in Nebraska, a place she loved dearly.
She is survived by her brother, Mark Zimmermann of Hastings, Nebraska; her son, Tom Thomsen and his wife, Jessica, of Brainerd, Minnesota; and her three daughters, Wendy and her husband, William Elkins, of Olathe, Kansas; Dawn and her husband, Jensen Moye, of Hutchinson, Kansas; and Michelle and her husband, Benjamin Schnabel, of Hutchinson, Kansas.
She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Brett Krambeer, Emily Schwaderer, Zachary Thomsen, Colby Thomson, Ethan Moye, and Aubrey Thomsen; and one great-grandchild, Kyla Thomsen.
Melinda’s love for animals extended to her many cherished grandfurbabies, who held a special place in her heart, as well as her beloved kitty, Ash.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date.
Memorial cards and letters may be sent to:
Michelle Schnabel
PO BOX 62
Hutchinson, KS
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