Roger William Zimmerman

Roger William Zimmerman, age 78, of Onekama, MI, died on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at his home.  He was born on September 2, 1946 in Manistee, MI and was the son of the late William & June (Armstrong) Zimmerman.

He was a graduate of Manistee High School with the class of 1966.  Roger served our country as a member of the U.S. Navy during Vietnam from 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1972.  He married Karen L. Kotecki on April 22, 1983 in Manistee.  He was employed with Morton Salt Company of Manistee, retiring in 2004.

Known for his love of sports and being one of his children & grandchildren’s biggest fans, Roger could be seen in the stands, standing at the fields when near, or watching them from afar on the NFHS network.

He also had a love for the many places that he called “home”.  The memories created at Sandy Pines, spending winters in Bradenton, FL, and summers on Portage Lake will last a lifetime with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; his two sons & daughters-in-law, William & Kelly Zimmerman of Manistee, MI and Wayne & Heather Volkema of Kaleva, MI; four daughters & sons-law, Lisa & Matt Parker of Tampa, FL, Tracy & Gregg Bennett of Onekama, MI, Lauren & Mike Kolanowski of Williamsburg, MI and Heidi & Jeff Wisniski of Bear Lake, MI and 11 grandchildren, Mia Parker, Taylor and Carly Bennett, Lacey and Braylen Zimmerman, Brady Kolanowski, Sam and Isabelle Volkema, Caleb (Lauren), Chloe and Sophie Wisniski.  He will be greatly missed by his faithful canine companion Lola.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister & brother-in-law, Donna & Jerry Niemitalo.

A celebration with family and close friends is planned for a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Roger’s honor are asked to be directed to the Manistee County Community Foundation Veterans Transportation Network Program at 400 River St., Ste 50, Manistee, MI 49660 or online at manisteefoundaton.fcuite.com.   The national program is coordinated locally by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Salt City Chapter #43 in cooperations with the Manistee County United Veterans Council.  

Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is handling arrangements.