Robert Zimmerman

Passed away peacefully June 15, 2017 at Homestead Living, INC Waunakee, WI after a gallant four year battle with Lewy Body Dementia. A private family service was held June 21, 2017 at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home in Waunakee. It was a service of thanksgiving and celebration for a man that was truly loved by all who knew him. The recessional was a request of Robert 's " When the Saints Go Marching In". Whatta Guy!!

Robert was the only child born to loving parents, Wilfred E. and Bessie M.(Finley) Zimmerman on March 17, 1929 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Robert married Betty J. Myers on September 30, 1949 and they were blessed to celebrate 67 years of marriage. Their love and devotion for each other was a treasure beyond compare. How they loved to dance!

Three children were born into this union, Michael, Stephen, Penny Jo, The love , fun and respect from these three toward us throughout our years together has truly been a gift from God.

Robert was a true athlete - baseball, tennis, golf, and racquetball. He was a pitcher for the Appleton Papermakers, a Philadelphia Phillies minor league team and if you are old enough you would have seen him pitch against the Wisconsin Rapids White Sox 1949 team at Witter Field.!
After four years he retired because he missed his wife and growing family of two young sons, too much!

After several different jobs and moves the family arrived in Appleton WI in 1957 and he began working for the Winnebago Natural Gas Company as a sales person growing it from the ground floor. After a merger with Milwaukee Gas & Light Co. it became the Wisconsin Gas Company. His last position before retiring after 34 years was as the Manager of District Operations at the main office in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

Robert and Betty were very active in the community over the 39 years they lived in Wisconsin Rapids. Rotary(50 yrs), Congregational Church Choir(30 yrs), Members- Bull's Eye C.C, WRCT - lighting director, W.R. Chamber of Commerce President.

As devoted parents, they never missed a game or play their three wonderful children were in.

"So dear friends, I say good-bye. I think I will go and find Paul, Mike, Elton and Dr. Jack for a skins game" Oh yeah! From Robert Zimmerman

Robert is survived by his wife, Betty of Waunakee, WI
Sons: Michael(Haydee) of Sarasota, FL, Stephen(Sue) of Ft. Atkinson, WI;
Daughter: Penny(Steve) Haugen of Waunakee, WI

Five grandchildren: Jessica(Terry) Granec, Brian(Trisha) Haugen, Katherine Zimmerman, Paige(Brian) Buck, Lee(Diana) Haugen

Three step-grandchildren: Christina Perez(Thomas Beckner), Robin Perez, James Perez
Nine great grandchildren: Samantha Granec, Halley Granec, Lucas Granec, Eric Granec, Logan Buck, Gavin Buck, Owen Haugen, Alexis Haugen, Henry Haugen.

Brother - in - Law: James L. Myers of Kansas City, MO

Gratitude to special friends:
Ken and Carol Hanson
Barry Jens - Our Music Man
Linda, Maria, and Staff at The Renaissance Assisted Living, WI Rapids

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI 53597
608-849-4513