Gerald G. "Jerry" Zimmerman, 81, Howard, passed away at the Jack & Engrid Meng Residence with his family by his side on Thursday, July 9, 2009, after a courageous one-year battle with kidney cancer. He was born in Oconto on July 25, 1927, the son of Arthur and Meryl (Bauers) Zimmerman. Jerry graduated from North High School in Sheboygan. He served his country in the U.S. Navy.

Jerry was united in marriage on Aug. 7, 1948, to Gloria Goldapske. They were blessed with five wonderful and fun-loving children and 59 loving years of marriage. Jerry and Gloria lived in Sheboygan, Oconto, Coleman, and Oshkosh before calling Green Bay their home. He was an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church for 42 years. Jerry retired from Associated Fixtures in Oconto as an Interior Design Engineer.

He enjoyed life and loved to be outdoors. Jerry was a passionate sailor and enjoyed wood-working. All of his children and grandchildren cherish the many handmade knick-knacks and furniture that he created. Most of all, Jerry was devoted to his family and took great pleasure when his family was together.

Jerry is survived by his loving five children and their spouses, Gary and Mary, Green Bay; Randy and Jennie, Ashwaubenon; Linda and Dan Gatske, Green Bay; Brad and Mary Kay, Howard; Dale and Jenny, Green Bay; 14 grandchildren, Tracy (Dan) Davis, Kendra, Kalin, Kaylor, Kristian and Kiefer Zimmerman; Melisa (Eric) Horn, Scott (Stephanie) Zimmerman; Carrie (Chris Batterson) Gatske, Erin Gatske (special friend, Josh Geurts); Amanda and Abby Zimmerman; Ross and Ali Zimmerman; two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Zachary Batterson; two brothers and three sisters-in-law, Douglas and Mavis Zimmerman, Donald and Judy Zimmerman; Marcia Grams; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Gloria, his parents Arthur and Meryl Zimmerman, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry Goldapske and Alice (Eddie) Fisher; two brothers, Robert and Arthur Zimmerman, one sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gayle and Eugene Kohlhagen.

Our lives will be forever touched by his strong will and tender heart.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday. There will be a prayer service held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Friends may also call at St. Mark Lutheran Church, corner of Kenwood St. and Oneida St., from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the church with the Rev. Chris Johnson officiating. Military Honors will precede the interment at 2 p.m. Monday in Evergreen Cemetery, Oconto. To send online condolences, please visit www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

A memorial fund has been established in his name.