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Erika Zimmermann Obituary

Erika L. Zimmermann 1927 - 2018



A fiercely independent, strong and courageous woman of 91 years, Erika passed away peacefully while enjoying the ocean view on April 23 at her home in Hermosa Beach, California. Born to Carl Heinrich and Johanna Schuettig, on the North Sea island of Föhr, where her parents had a fresh fish and produce market. She always wanted to be on the water. In Hamburg, while working as a telephone operator and dating Bill, Erika's Uncle, Jakob Bahnsen of Maquoketa, Iowa, offered sponsorship if she wanted to come to America. Having grown up in WWII Germany, life wasn't easy nor was there much opportunity for young people. At 25 years of age, after a five-year courtship, Erika and Bill married on Friday, September 13, 1952 in order to make the next sailing. In just over 1 year the young couple wed, sailed to America and had their first daughter, Karin. Settling in Iowa for nearly 10 years, Erika worked at the Maid-Rite in Clinton, Iowa before they moved to Maquoketa, where Bill worked for Clinton Engine, and they both became American Citizens before having their second daughter, Kathy. A visit to San Pedro prompted them to finally settle in the coastal hamlet of Hermosa Beach, California. There they raised their 2 daughters while becoming active in the South Bay German Club and real estate. Never shying away from hard work while ironing Bill's white shirts, Erika cleaned and sorted reclaimed lumber he brought home from Mattel Toys that they would use to remodel their 1910 bungalow. In 1984, she retired from the El Camino Junior College Library after 15 years and then traveled the world extensively, continuing on even after Bill passed away in 1995. She volunteered at LAX for 20 years and at Beach Cities Health District visiting homebound elderly. Erika attended classical concerts, Saturday at the Met screenings, movies, and exercise classes with her friend of 52 years, Astrid Grönwold. She loved the Hollywood Bowl, cruises, tours all over the world and several Willie Nelson concerts. In her later years Erika became active at her church where she enjoyed the camaraderie and support of her friends in the Bulletin and Builder's groups, especially that of her friends, Evon and John Gibson. A fan of good pastry, Erika would love it when her friend, Mark Mardahl would bring a pink box and some good coffee to share. Erika was predeceased by her husband, William (Bill) Zimmermann; daughter, Karin Zimmermann; her brother, Carlo (Ursula) Schuettig and parents of Hamburg, Germany. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Kate Zimmermann-Geismar (Gerald, deceased).
In lieu of flowers, donations to Erasing The Stigma @ DiDi Hirsch.org or The Death with Dignity National Center would be appreciated. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits
Published by Daily Breeze on May 4, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
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9 Entries

Pamela Goerger

May 12, 2018

Strong and fierce, yes she was.

Andrea Fischer

May 10, 2018

Thank You for sharing this beautiful memory of your Mother Kate. I wish I could have met her. Wishing you love,peace and strength ❤❤❤

Michael Gronwold

May 7, 2018

Erika was like a favorite aunt, or second mom, to me. I've known her and her family ever since I was a young boy. Having come to Southern California as a little German boy, it was wonderful to know another German family (with two cute German daughters, no less) that shared a similar heritage to that of my own family.

Erika always treated me with tremendous kindness. I will forever remember her wonderful smile. I have always loved that she was so quick to share cute and funny stories, and loved to laugh. Enjoying holiday dinners with Erika was a wonderful treat for my mother and me. She was a great sport and very open-minded when confronted with eating the vegan meals I put together for the three of us. I think she actually liked the Tofurkey dinners we ate together!

Erika was so very generous in sharing what she had to offer. I will fondly remember the afternoons spent with her, as I climbed up into the huge orange tree in her back yard, picking the most wonderful, juiciest, and tastiest oranges I have ever eaten. While I climbed up and picked the oranges, she stood by, waiting, and ready to put them into a bag so that I could take them home to enjoy. Those afternoons were wonderful... picking fruit, talking about simple things, and enjoying the wonderful moments.

The last time I saw her, she was beautiful. Dressed in her finest, and with her smile so pretty, I simply had to mention how lovely and happy she looked. She said "Danke" and smiled. My fondest memory will forever be our last afternoon together.

Karma Williams

May 6, 2018

My condolences to her family and friends. I know she is missed deeply.

Richard Whitehorse

May 5, 2018

My prayers for the Zimmerman family. I'm glad I got to know Erika from our church. She was a strong woman and Christian. God Bless.

Sharron Bryant

May 5, 2018

Erika was so dear to me. She continued to call or send cards when I was ill. She was an inspiration in my life. I am so happy for her to be in the presence of God the Father and her Jesus. I will miss her as will we all!

Kate Geismar

May 4, 2018

This picture is of my parents honeymooning on a rented motorcyle in Germany while waiting for passage to America.

Jan Buike

May 4, 2018

Erika was a very caring person who gave so much to others while volunteering as a friendly visitor.

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