Gladstone, MI
John H. Zimmermann, a man of family, faith and community, passed away peacefully on New Year’s morning in his residence at Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone. He had recently celebrated his 88th birthday.
Born at home in the small Northern Wisconsin town of Lugerville, on December 14, 1926, John was the second son of Eva (Kuchenski) and John Zimmermann, Sr. His family moved to Nahma, Michigan during his early years, where his father worked for Bay de Noc Lumber Company. John would be raised there, living the life of a small-town boy, developing his love of sports and inheriting from his father a sense of community service and a sound work ethic. Along with his younger brother Elroy, John attended Messmer Catholic High School in Milwaukee, where he was a member of the basketball team and worked part-time at a jewelry store in the city.
Following high school, John enlisted in the Army Air Corp at age 17. He proudly served his country, first stationed state-side and then with the occupied forces in Capo, Italy where he was in charge of the athletic department of special services and coached military sports teams. Traveling throughout Europe during his service widened his view of the world – a view he would pass on to his children.
After his honorable discharge, John used his GI Bill to attend Michigan College of Mining and Technology, as well as, Michigan State Normal College in Ypsilanti and Cloverland Commercial College where he and his brother Elroy played basketball for the Cloverlands. While home from school, John would often go into Gladstone for social events with friends. It was on one of these nights in town that he met Marilyn Stock. John and Marilyn were married on July 9, 1949 at All Saints Church in Gladstone. John, with the guidance of his father-in-law, built their family home on the east end of Montana Avenue where he and Marilyn lived for 59 years and raised their family of nine children.
John first worked at Harnischfeger, and while employed there managed the Company’s softball team. But each generation remembers him for where they knew him – as one of the two Zim brothers running the Night Train dances at the KC’s in the 60’s (drawing for the dog?) or as a mail carrier at the Gladstone Post Office handing out candy and rubber bands to the kids. In addition, he had many part-time jobs to help support his ever-growing family. Some of those helped fulfill his sense of community service, most notably, as a member of the Gladstone Housing Commission and Director of both Bayview and Fairview Manor, as well as, founding member of the Upper Peninsula Housing Organization. He retired as Director and from the UPPHO at the age 65.
John was active in his children’s lives. He was instrumental, along with Dr. Jim Dehlin, in organizing a ski patrol for Gladstone’s ski area. He coached 7th and 8th grade boy’s basketball for All Saints Catholic School, started an after-school gym program for 7th & 8th grade girls at All Saints and drove the bus to athletic events.
Of no less importance to John was his faith, and his involvement with his parish, All Saints. There, he served as a board member, Eucharistic Minister, CCD teacher and member of the Knights of Columbus. Along with Marilyn, they would run the Youth Encounter Program at Marygrove Retreat Center in Garden for several years.
John’s love of sports and community were evident as he was an avid Gladstone Brave’s fan, a regular at their softball/baseball, basketball and football games. He was a life-long Packer, Yankee and Notre Dame fan, and he played in Gladstone’s Adult Tennis League for several years.
Once completely retired, John enjoyed visiting family, winters in Arizona and both he and Marilyn continued to be active in their church, and volunteered to be Reading Buddies at the Cameron Grade School.
John was well-known in his community for his friendly, outgoing manner and kind disposition. He will be missed by many.
Survivors include:
Children: Sue (Mark) Zimmermann, Marcia (Rudy) Peterson, Mary (Bill Dishaw) Robitaille, Joel (Kathy) Zimmermann, John (Amanda) Zimmermann, Joan (Dan) Saber,
Matthew (Cheryl) Zimmermann, Jude Zimmermann.
Grandchildren: Adam (Jen) Zimmermann, Marisa (Matt) Marek, Grace Zimmermann, Sara (T.J. Moses) Peterson, Ben (Jhoel) Peterson, Andre (Susan) Robitaille, Vianne Robitaille, Ian (Jessica Neuman) Zimmermann, Sarah Zimmermann, Johnny Zimmermann, Spencer Zimmermann, Michaela (Cam) Brown, Noah (Adrienne) Saber, David Saber, Paul Zimmermann, Marlow Zimmermann, Georgia-Rae Zimmermann, Hanna Zimmermann and 10 great-grandchildren.
Brother, Elroy (Wilma) Zimmermann
John was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, sons, Mark and Jerome and son-in-law, Rudy Peterson and brothers, Richard and Jim.
John
Erin Wickman - Gladstone, MI
Thoroughly enjoyed John over the years as he spent his mornings with us at Northwoods. We will remember his incredible sense of humor! He truly loved talking to the kids/athletes that came in and loved watching them play sports. He was a great man and will be missed.
George Milkovich
I am so sorry to hear about John’s passing. He is one of the finest men I have ever known. I first knew John at the KC dances. At first my dad wouldn’t let me go there because it wasn’t safe. Little did he know how John and Elroy ran the place and gave us a safe place to have fun and meet girls. That was just a small way John affected 2 or 3 or even 4 generations of kids and later adults. I was proud to call him a friend. He was a great man!!George Milkovich
Judi LaCosse (Good) - Escanaba, MI
To all of John’s family. I had the honor of knowing your dad through his and your mom’s years at Gladstone Housing. I worked at Harbor Tower and have many fond memories of both your parents. He now joins Marilyn in our Heavenly Father’s kingdom for eternity. John, fly with the butterflies until we meet again. God Bless your soul.
Caren Nicholas - Gladstone, MI
One of my favorite memories of John is his willingness to let all of the Gladstone kids pile in the van to go to KC dances in Esky. We went as often as possible and our parents gave the seal of approval because John and Marilyn were the best chaperones around.
Pete DeMay - Gladstone, Mi
To Johns family sorry to here of your dads passing I had the distinct honor of accompanying him on the honor flight to Washinton DC I will treasure those memories for ever he was a very humble man your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Charlie and Patty Creten - Gladstone, MI
Our deepest sympathy to all the Zimmerman Family, John was a great man, a good friend and a special basketball coach! So sorry to miss his funeral as we are in North Carolina.
Jon Golzynski - Gladstone , MI
Mr Z. was one of the most important people in my life when I was growing up. I never knew my grandfathers. They both passed before I was born. But I was fortunate to have Mr Z( and Mrs Z) in my life because of All Saints and my friendship with Adam. I have many memories of being tapped on the shoulder in church, to turn around have Mr Z wishing me happy birthday ( Dec 13th). He always seemed to remember. Countless days staring out the window, waiting for “The Candy Man” to bring my parents mail, and rubber bands and candy for me and my brothers. The many times Mr/Mrs Z took me in for the weekend when my parents went out of town, just hoping for crepes for breakfast! 🙂 But most of all, always checking to see if my mother and us boys, were doing OK after my father passed away. And even last year, when I was doing therapy on my shoulder, he was there, in his chair, waiving me over to ask how my mom, Matt and Jeff were doing. Just an amazing man. The kind of man that every kid wishes were they’re grandfather. At least I did, and he made me feel like he was. So glad he was in my life.
Maureen Cannon - Eagan,, MN
What a kind, loving man! John and Marilyn were dear friends. Marilyn and I go way back to grade school. I remember when John started dating Marilyn. They were wonderful parents and raised a beautiful family. Now they’re together again!
Patrick Ziems
I just happened upon this and had to comment. John loved people and he taught to his children who I grew up with. Joel lives down the block from my mom and befriended my 11 year old son Ben while he was exploring the neighborhood. I think it says a lot about a person by that persons children. “Well done good and faithful servant.”
Mark Phillips
Sorry, but Cindy and I will be in Minnesota the day of John’s funeral. I used to run into John on the third baseline of the legion ballfield at the sportspark. We would talk baseball and enjoy coaching from just off the field.
God be with you.
Love,
Mark & Cindy Phillips
Debbie & Jim Dehlin - Gladstone, MI
John was an awesome family man, community organizer & church leader. He spent his life serving others in a happy fun & loving manner. He is a true example of living life to the fullest! We were blest to have know him.