Charles F. Zimmerman, age 85 of Iola, WI passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 21, 2024 with his family by his side.
Charles was born on November 14, 1938; son of the late Charles H. and Mildred (Oconner) Zimmerman in South Bend, IN.
After attending school in South Bend, Chuck enlisted in the U. S. Navy completing his basic training at Great Lakes Naval Center. He was then sent to San Diego, CA to attend Molding School. Upon completing his school, he was assigned to the USS Gilmore, a submarine tender. Little did he know that the Foundry Industry would become a life-long profession. While in the Navy he joined the Masonic Lodge in 1961 at the age of 21. He has since been granted a Lifetime Membership from Tyrian Lodge No. 12, Goshen, Indiana.
Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1959 he was employed by Miles Laboratories in Elkhart, IN. It was at Miles that he met Patricia Shea. They were married on April 12, 1963 in Cassopolis, Ml.
In 1962 he was employed by Northern Indiana Brass Co. (NIBCO) which was the start of a lifelong profession in the Foundry Industry. After a long and varied career in the industry, Chuck retired from Acme Resin, a division of Borden Corporation as National Sales Manager, Foundry Distributors in 1990.
In 1994 Chuck and Pat moved to Iola, WI where they made their retirement home. He is survived by his wife Pat of 60+ years; son Chuck Jr., of Sugar Grove, IL, son Steve of Iola. He is also survived by grandchildren Colton Zimmerman, Charle Pennebecker, Ruby Koch (Children of Mike & Michelle Koch), Maddy Zimmerman, Charles Ill (Children of Chuck Jr.) Megan Zimmerman, Kalvin Zimmerman (Children of Steve Zimmerman). He is also survived by 3 great grandchildren and several cousins in Indiana.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Michelle Zimmerman Koch, sister Sandra Nagy.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 PM on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Odin and Frejas, 335 N. Main Street, Scandinavia. Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.