Gary Zimmerman

Madison - Gary Ellis Zimmerman, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on July 19, 2025, at the age of 83 due to advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease. Born on March 16, 1942, in Pensaukee, Wisconsin. Gary lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his profession, and his many passions.

Gary's early education began in a one-room schoolhouse in Pensaukee where he attended grades one through eight. He graduated from Oconto High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and became a licensed Professional Engineer.

While in college, Gary worked as a surveyor for the State of Wisconsin. After graduation, he was employed by the State of Wisconsin DOT as a bridge designer. He later joined a Madison-based construction company as an Engineering Project Manager. Eventually, Gary seized an opportunity to purchase the company which he renamed Terra Engineering & Construction.

Gary was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Bascom Hill Society, Wild Ducks Unlimited, Associated General Contractors, First Business Bank, Marco Bay Yacht Club, and Marco Island Yacht Club.

Gary married his high school sweetheart, Carole Ann Perrizo.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gary found joy in the outdoors and hands-on craftsmanship. He was an avid fisherman-both saltwater and freshwater-and enjoyed duck and pheasant hunting. Snowmobiling through Wisconsin winters with the Annens, Dehnerts, Kellers, and Lorenzs, motorcycle trail riding through rugged trails with his wife and sons, waterskiing across lakes, playing tennis, and golfing were among his favorite pastimes. A skilled woodworker, Gary spent countless hours working on projects at his beloved cottage in Tomahawk, Wisconsin known to the Dehnerts and Zimmermans as the "Maywood 9".

Some of Gary's cherished memories were made while hunting and fishing with his son Gary Jr., discussing business and investments with his son Scott, and traveling across the globe with his wife Carole. In later years, he found enjoyment playing tennis and fishing with his close friend John Ferguson in Hideaway Beach, Marco Island, Florida.

Gary was a man of faith throughout his life. He was a devoted member of Lutheran churches in Oconto, Madison, Middleton, and Marco Island.

He is survived by his loving wife Carole, of 64 years; sons Gary F. Zimmerman (Robin) and Scott A. Zimmerman (Ann); grandchildren Seth Zimmerman (Brooke), John Zimmerman, Maddie Zimmerman, Danny Zimmerman, and Jessica Zimmerman; sister Mary Carl (Lowell); and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Wilbur and Violet Zimmerman; sisters Bonnie Milan and June Milan.

A private celebration of life will be held with the family.



Gary's legacy lives on through the family he loved deeply and the business he grew with passion and precision. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

Cress Funeral Home

6021 University Ave.

Madison, WI 53705

608-238-8406