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William "Bill" Andrew Zimmer Sr.
1931 - 2015
William "Bill" Andrew Zimmer Sr.
1931 - 2015
Obituary
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William "Bill" Zimmer Obituary
He will be remembered as a loving Husband and Father. William was a leader of Men. He had a larger than life personality that touched a great many lives. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren.
Bill Sr. graduated from Harrisburg High School in Harrisburg, IL. Following high school, he attended Bradley University in Peoria, IL on a football scholarship and graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. He then served two years in the United States Army and signed a pro football contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 1955. After one season, he returned to Bradley University as an assistant football and golf coach. In 1959, Bill Sr. was named to the Bradley University Hall of Fame in Peoria, IL and was named as the Head Football and Wrestling coach at Lockport Township High School in Lockport, IL where he spent 35 years amassing a 164-65-5 record, consistently named as one of the winningest high school football coaches in the greater Chicagoland Area. Bill Sr. also holds a Masters degree plus 45 hours in Phys Ed.
In 1986, Bill Sr. was nominated into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame for coaching football excellence and, in 1988, was nominated to the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame to his dedication in the sport of wrestling.
Bill Sr. was an avid golfer and has been enjoying his retirement in Naples, FL since 1994.
William is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Ann; children, Mike Zimmer, Karen (David) Bates, and Bill Jr. (Danielle) Zimmer; grandchildren Adam, Marki, and Corri Zimmer; Shannon, Zachary and Ryleigh Bates and William (Andrew) III and Austin Zimmer.
Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, August 17, 2015 at 11:00 AM EDT at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, FL 34120. Please join the family for a reception following Mass at Vanderbilt Country Club 8250 Danbury Boulevard Naples, FL 34120.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Bill's name may be made to the Mike Zimmer Foundation at http://mikezimmerfoundation.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rich Wiersma
October 30, 2015
Coach was a man's man. It was a privilege to be one of his athletes and learn about wrestling and life under his tutelage. I have enjoyed reading about the various memories, and so here are two of mine.
Coach heard thru the grapevine that, due to my DOB or some bureaucratic technicality, I was having trouble getting scheduled my Jr. year for Driver's Training. Coach graciously offering to train me over 3 days of Christmas Break, just prior to wrestling practice each day .I'm sure he had better, family, things to do, but he made me a priority.
The second memory had to do with being in the right place at the right time. Coach and his tapeworm were hungry in the middle of the school day and he needed someone to hop into his Dodge Charger and do a food run. I was happy to honor his request, that was a pretty cool ride.
I wish the Zimmer Family the very best. Thanks for unselfishly sharing Coach with us for so many years. You are in my prayers.
Chris Gombosi
October 1, 2015
My sincere condolences to the Zimmer family. It was truly an honor to have played for Coach Zimm. I'm very grateful to have known him. Rest in peace, Coach...
September 9, 2015
Coach Zimmer was more than a football coach. He taught us to win with humility and lose with our heads held high, and to keep going when the road got tough. Coach may have thought he stopped coaching when we graduated, but nothing could be further from the truth. Some of the things he taught us went way beyond the field.
I appreciated his assistance in choosing a college program, and he remains a favorite memory of my football days.
With sympathy from Doug Sybert and the Sybert family.
Fred Plese
September 5, 2015
Condolences to the Coach Zimmer Family for their loss. Coach was respected and admired by many players throughout the years. We were all influenced by his character on and off the field. His inspiration has been magnified by many of our successes. His philosophy of life lives within each of us and has been passed on through several generations now. Team of 1966 : Class of 67
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David Young
August 26, 2015
Coach was my freshman p.e. teacher (1964). What a tough, fun, fair teacher. He was a great person. I'm so sad to hear of his passing.
Jerry Anderson
August 26, 2015
Our sympathy and prayers to all the Zimmer family. There are certain people in our lives that have great meaning to us, Coach Zimmer was one of those few. His influence as my coach led me to the same career. You will be missed by all those who knew you.
Rest in peace.
Jerry and Bev Anderson Class of 64
Julie Childs
August 23, 2015
First of all my deepest condolences for your loss. My grandfather, mother, and father all graduated from Bradley University. My parents (Marjorie Meinen and Wendell Childs) graduated in 1953. I was born in Peoria, IL (1958). I have lived in Minnesota since 1982 and I am a rabid Vikings fan. I read that Mike went to ISU and heard that he was born in Peoria. I heard on the news that Mike's Dad, Bill passed away. I asked my Dad if he had heard of the Zimmer family in the Peoria area. He said he thought Bill played football at Bradely. I looked at Bill's obituary and noticed that Bill did play football at Bradley and also was an assistant coach at Bradley in the late 1950's. My Grandfather (John "Dutch" Meinen) was the Athletic Director at Bradley from 1956 to 1965. He was football and basketball coach for years before becoming the Athletic Director. I realized that Bill probably knew my Grandpa "Dutch" and that Dutch may also have been Bill's football coach and later colleagues. My brother (Gary Childs) was a Sportswriter for the Peoria Journal Star and Chicago papers and probably knew Bill as well. He was also a Bradley alumni. (He passed away 3 years ago.) It is such a small world and it is amazing of how connected we all really are. May peace and love be with all of the Zimmer family during this difficult time.
DOn Meints
August 22, 2015
Bill was not only a great football coach but a very special man. He was one of the best I had the privilege of working with.
Duffy Kuban
August 17, 2015
To Mike and the Zimmer family:
May God bless you and keep you
May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you
May He lift up His countenance on you
And grant you peace
Numbers 6:24
Duffy Kuban and family
Classmate and team-mate 1974
August 16, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to Mike and the entire Zimmer family. May your memories help you through this difficult times.
Marc & Joyce Goodlander
Phoenix, AZ
August 16, 2015
Dear Ann and Family,
We are saddened by the passing of Bill, yet we share the blessings and joys of so many others for having known Coach. His indomitable positive spirit will always touch our hearts and memories. May God grant you peace and comfort.
Bob & Susie Heath
August 16, 2015
Our sincere condolences to you Mike and the rest of the family on the passing of your Dad. He was a great Coach.
Paul Pesavento and Mark Pesavento
Mary Dorgan
August 16, 2015
Our prayers and sympathy to Ann and the Zimmer family. Bill was a wonderful man with great spirit. He will be missed!
Fondly, Bill and Mary Dorgan
August 16, 2015
Condolences to Ann and the Zimmer family.
Coach will be missed by his many friends at
V.C.C.
Pam and Jim Madore
Clyde Wisk
August 16, 2015
My sincere condolences to the Zimmer family. Coach Zimmer was influential in my life at an early age. I am very grateful and blessed to have known him. Rest in peace.
McDonald Beavers
August 16, 2015
I forgot to mention in my earlier post that Coach Zimmer was very innovative. I was tackle and on offense we experimented and utilized an "unbalanced line". That is, we sometimes had two tackles next to one another on either the right or left side.
We also had "spread formations". I remember as a tackle lining up as a "wideout". But, the best was as follows: At that time in Illinois high school football a "place kick" could be used instead of a conventional "punt". Well, we had a great place kicker (Gary Pcchnok). So say it is 4th down for us on offense and we were on our own 40 yard line. Coach would have Gary come in as if to kick a field goal (which was impossible from that distance). Gary would kick the ball consistently out of bounds within the opponents 20 yard line. The opposing team then had to take possession where the place kick went out of bounds. It was a brilliant strategy because Gary was expert place kicking for distance and accuracy. I imagine they have long since changed that rule but our Coach was brilliant at strategy. It was always a nightmare for an opposing coach to prepare for what the Lockport Central offense brought to the table.
Rest in peach big guy!!!!!!!
Mac Beavers - Class of '66.
Bernie and Susanne Mehall
August 16, 2015
Dear Ann and Family
Please accept our condolences on Bill's passing. A great guy and golfing partner along with Arne B. and Jerry S. here at Worthington CC. Please let us know if there is anything we can do in this time of need. Love Bernie and Susanne Mehall,, Bonita Springs.
Mel and Rosalie Deskin
August 15, 2015
Saturday, August 15, 2015.
Dear Ann and Family. Please know how sorry we are for your loss.
You know Mel and I have many great memories of our times together that will be with us forever. All your old friends in Lockport are thinking of you in this difficult time. Even though we will not be with you, you are in our thoughts.
Wil Burcham
August 15, 2015
Please accept my condolences to the entire Zimmer family, friends and those who loved and respected him. Coach Zimmer was not only our football and wrestling coach but a mentor to everyone he came in contact with. His half-time inspirational talks not only helped us play to the best of our ability, they motivated us, giving us guidance way beyond the football field and wrestling mats. I feel blessed to have had him as a coach. Rest in Peace my friend and I am looking forward to the day our paths cross again. Wil Burcham (Woodstock, IL)
Mary Ann Sepsi
August 15, 2015
Ann and family My condolences on Bill's passing. It was wonderful being friends.
John Padjen
August 15, 2015
Our condolences to Ann, Mike, Karen, Billy and the entire Zimmer family - Coach was a great mentor, coach, family man, teacher and all in all, just a great person who touched so so many lives I treasure the time I spent under his mentorship. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeanne Zimmer-Remmers
August 15, 2015
Dearest Ann! Love and Prayers to u and family! Will always remember all the fun times at Uncle Bills in Harrisburg! Daddy loved Bill ! So now they r together in Heaven! Hope he didn't suffer! Love u sweet lady!
August 15, 2015
Ann and Family
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Dick and Camille Supplee
Eva Ott Kromphardt
August 14, 2015
My condolences to the entire Zimmer family. Coach Zimmer was an amazing man who was well respected by everyone who lived in Lockport and touched so many lives. He was an awesome football and wrestling coach and was very patient teaching me how to drive. He was a role model for so many kids that went to Lockport. I'm proud to say that I knew him growing up and I am also a Bradley alum, just like Coach! My prayers go out to the Zimmer family in this sad time. Rest in peace Coach.
August 14, 2015
Sorry to hear about Bill, he was a wonderful friend and a GREAT person.
We will remember him in our prayers.
Bob and Ruth Battreall
Andrea Corwin
August 14, 2015
What a great guy he was! He lived a blessed, full life, touching others deeply and memorably. The loss of someone is so difficult....blessings and condolences to the family.
Selma Flieder
August 14, 2015
Bucky and I send our sincere condolences to Ann and her family. I will always remember his smile that greeted me when I walked into the gym for physical therapy last winter. With Ann by his side, he accomplished so much. Bill will always be remembered as a fine, friendly gentleman and will be missed by many.
George Borman
August 14, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear about coach Zimmer. He was my football,wrestling and driving coach in the late 60s. Can't and quit was NOT in his vocabulary. He started out the seasons with boys and turned them into men with respect for one another buy the end of the season. I can't say enough about Mr Zimmer how he influenced the rest of my adult life I will truly miss him. RIP my friend. Class of 71.
Gary Steffins
August 14, 2015
My Heart Felt Condolences to the entire Zimmer Family. Bill Zimmer will always hold a very Special place in my heart. He was a dedicated coach and teacher and we went through some of our best and worst times in sports and life together. I thank God that he was there for me and I send my respect and love to his Family!
Thomas "Chili" Challender '69'
August 14, 2015
My condolences to the entire Zimmer family. As my football coach he taught me a lot about being a man and life in general. His drive for excellence and his dedication to the students as well as LTHS was always paramount in his daily walk. Always a straight shooter who called it like it was and gave me the foundation that greatly influenced my careers in the military as well as public and private education. May he rest in piece and may the family know he will not be forgotten. God Speed.
August 14, 2015
My wife and I have only known Bill and Ann for the last dozen years as neighbors and friends at Vanderbilt CC. "Coach" will truly be missed. When he spoke you listened. Till the very end a fighter, yet would smile in the face of his personal, physical adversity. Its easy to see why he was such an effective leader of young men and a great H.S football and wrestling coach. He will be missed by all his Vanderbilt friends, for sure, and our most sincere condolences go to his loving wife, nurse Ann, and family. Bill & Joan Cooper Naples, FL
Mac Beavers
August 14, 2015
Rest in Peace Coach Zimmer. My sympathies to the Zimmer family.
Coach Zimmer was not only a great coach, he was a great psychologist. In 1965 the coach did not like the demeanor of the varsity football team. He proceeded to come to practice wearing a black arm band to symbolize the poor attitude of the team at the point in the season. Well, the strategy worked. Our team doubled our efforts and improved our attitude to the point that Coach Zimmer removed his black arm band in front of the whole team, for which we all cheered.
Coach Zimmer was tough but fair!
Mac Beavers (Class of 1966)
James Blakemore
August 14, 2015
Prayers to all of the Zimmer family. I never played under Coach, but we knew each other, and he helped me out while I was at Central.
August 14, 2015
The Corwin family expresses sorrow and condolences to Ann and the Zimmer family. The Zimmers were such pillars of the Lockport community and contributed to so many good positive memories which will be with the community forever. Rest in peace, coach, you were such a fine example to all. Scott Corwin, Tampa, FL.
Dick and Jan Simpson
August 14, 2015
Condolences to the family. Having gone to LTHS we both had contact with Bill Zimmer. There are a lot of good drivers out here now who had him as our Driver's Ed teacher. He made a huge impression on students in and out of class. Rest In Peace, Coach Zimmer. Class of '64, Class of '65.
Joe Oetter
August 14, 2015
My sincere condolences go to the entire Zimmer family. Coach Zimmer coached both my brother and myself in the seventies. I find it hard to express how much he meant to me. As an adult, I have coached numerous youth sports teams of all ages. All the hundreds of kids I coached were affected by Bill Zimmer because I tried to coach them like he coached me. The Zimmer family can take solace in a life well lived and by how much Bill was loved. Godspeed, Coach
CURTIS SPINKS
August 14, 2015
MY DEEPEST & SINCEREST CONDOLENCES TO THE ZIMMER FAMILY.
BILL WAS A GREAT COACH AND A BETTER HUMAN BEING.
CURTIS SPINKS
1968 GRAD
Cheryl vance
August 14, 2015
Prayers to the Zimmer Family. Our Son Played football for Mr Zimmer. may he R.I.P.
John Dzak
August 14, 2015
A GREAT COACH, TEACHER, AND PERSON! MEMORIES OF HIM WILL ALWAYS BE CHERISHED! From, John Dzak and Lockport Twnship H.S. class of 1969.
August 14, 2015
Dear Ann and family, one of my first memories of coach was when he joined Bob and I to play nine holes at Vanderbilt Country Club. He was so kind and patient and I can only assume that would describe his teaching and coaching also. Such a handsome, athletic man, his presence will be greatly missed at VCC. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, may your many happy memories keep him always close to you, sincerely, Martha and Bob Glass. Naples, Fl and Zanesville, Oh
August 14, 2015
Sorry to read about Bill leaving us, my sincere condolences to Ann and the family.
Joanne Bonne, Canadian member of VCC.
Bill Monahan
August 14, 2015
I met Bill at physical therapy. He always had a smile and a positive attitude. I enjoyed our brief conversations. We need more people like Bill Zimmer. Our thoughts and prayers and prayers are with his family.
Eileen & Ron Briick
August 14, 2015
Prayers to the Zimmer family. He was admired by many. He taught me how to drive and coached my husband and son in football. Great memories.
Laurie Ruemler
August 14, 2015
Your have our deepest sympathies Bill, Danielle and family, and we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Sounds like your Dad was an awesome guy and I know you will miss him dearly. Great to have those memories. Laurie & Larry Ruemler
David and Bonnie Sprinkle
August 14, 2015
Our deepest condolences to the family and everyone that was touched and influenced by Coach Zimmer.
Jackie Carlson-Countryman
August 14, 2015
I had Coach "Bill" Zimmer for Driver's Ed class but mostly remember watching him coach the LTHS teams. God's peace and love to the Zimmer family. Rest in Paradise Coach!
Early J Deloach
August 14, 2015
Coach zimmer was my high school football coach and drivers ed instructor. he was a straight up disciplinarian and nice person. rest in peace coach. Early J. Deloach class of 1963.
Judy Matarelli
August 14, 2015
Ann and family, so very sorry for the loss of your husband and father. He was truly a Porter for most of his career. He also taught me how to drive! I know you will have lots of wonderful memories. Blessings, Judy (Wheeler) Matarelli
August 13, 2015
Prayers to all. Mr. Zimmer is a legend at Lockport. He was one of my driving instructors. Lots of great football memories. RIP coach!
Class of 74.
dawn saeger
August 13, 2015
Please know that you and your husband touched my heart in a way I'll never forget. What a great man and I feel blessed to have had the conversations I did with him. It was truly seen in his eyes and words how he loves his family. I wish I could of done more. Love to ann. Nurse dawn.
Joe & Jane Gombosi
August 13, 2015
Please accept our Condolences.....Joe, Jane, Chris & Matt Gombosi
Doc Spink
August 13, 2015
Coach Zimmer was my football coach in 1963-64. His influence changed my life in a direction that I am forever grateful. Thanks, Coach!!
Dawn Fenton
August 13, 2015
Deepest sympathy to the Zimmer family. I had coach for drivers ed., awesome person. Class of 79 LTHS
Bruce Albers
August 13, 2015
My sympathy and prayers for the Zimmer family. I have fond memories of the coach and the team. He was an important part of my life.
Bruce Albers class of 1965
August 13, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Lockport sure was lucky to employ one of the best Coaches ever for 35 + years. I have fond memories of Mr. Zimmer and always will. Len Barney & family
Michael Mahoney
August 13, 2015
Bill and Ann are friends of the family. Bill also coached my brothers and myself in H.S. He left an indellible mark on us and all who met him. He was a rare treasure of a man.
See you in the endzone, coach.
Lee Ann Verzi
August 13, 2015
My deepest sympathy for the Zimmer Family! I have the fondest of memories of Mr Zimmer teaching me to drive! I have thought of you Karen and your Dad on many occasions! My heart is with you all.
Mark Carmen
August 13, 2015
God bless the man who had a far-reaching influence upon so many young people he mentored and led by example. His influence on myself and my younger brothers has helped to form our successful lives. Rest in peace Coach.
Dave DiGrazia
August 13, 2015
So sorry to hear of the loss of someone who was so special!!!! He was a straight shooter he will be missed class 1986 LTHS
Kathleen Sullivan
August 13, 2015
My prayers and sincere condolences go out to your family. Mr. Zimmer was such a fun teacher and I have nothing but fond memories of gym because of him
Larry Bowlan
August 13, 2015
Condolences to the Zimmer family and especially to you Mike and your family.
At the time (high school) you don`t think about the impact a teacher or a coach makes on you.
But as you get older and have children of your own, you realize these people helped shape your character.
So I would like to "thank" coach Zimmer for the life lessons learned from the time I had played football for him. And grimace every time I had to put my head down and run right into those linebackers!!
Thank you for the memories, you will be missed.
And Mike...I will be a Vikings fan except when they play the Bears or the Patriots!
Sincerely,
Ed & Adrienne Neer
August 13, 2015
Ann, Our Deepest Sympathy to you and your entire family. We will miss him dearly.
Valerie Barbeauld Emge
August 13, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the Zimmer family. In high school, I didn't know the extent of who Coach Bill Zimmer was, but his presence always captivated me. It wasn't until Mike Zimmer went to the Vikings that I got to read who Bill Zimmer is and was. Lockport is lucky to have had a man like Coach Zimmer. So very sorry for your loss and may he rest in peace.
Terry Marion
August 13, 2015
My condolences goes out to you and your family God bless.
Thomas Murphy
August 13, 2015
I would like to express my Deepest Sympathy for your loss, Bill was a great friend and mentor, He touched so many lives! Godspeed!
Terry Slansky
August 13, 2015
my condolences and God Bless the entire family.
Keith Lamb
August 13, 2015
My sincerest condolences to the Zimmer family. I was a fellow classmate of Mike Zimmer's at Lockport High School where Bill was the head football coach, PE teacher and driver's ed teacher. He was an intimidating hulk of a man and well respected at the school for decades.
DAN & BIRGIE KURBER
August 13, 2015
BILL AND ANN ZIMMER WERE OUR ACCROSS THE STREET NEIGHBORS IN LOCKPORT. WE HAVE BEEN LIFETIME FRIENDS EVER SINCE.BILL LEFT HIS MARK ON THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS AT
LOCKPORT CENTRAL AS WELL AS NUMEROUS ATHLETES ON THE FOOTBALL AND WRESTLING TEAMS.HE WAS LOVED AND ADMIRED BY EVERYONE WHO EVER CAME IN CONTACT WITH HIM.HE WAS A GIANT OF A MAN, BUT AS DOWN TO EARTH AS ANYONE YOU EVER MET.
ANN WAS HIS ROCK WHO STOOD BEHIND HIM IN EVERY ENDEAVOR BILL UNDERTOOK. WE WILL MISS HIM TERRIBLY, BUT WILL REMEMBER ALL THE WONDERFUL TIMES WE HAD
TOGETHER. OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ANN AND HER CHILDREN. MIKE,KAREN, AND BILLY. YOU MUST BE SO PROUD OF YOUR FATHER. SINCERELY, DAN AND BIRGIE KURBER
Sandy Smith
August 13, 2015
My sincere condolences to Bill's family. Bill and Ann lived next door to us in Lockport, Il.
Bret Meyer
August 13, 2015
I never knew Bill, but I've watched his son coach my Vikings. The only way his son would be the man he is today is due to the father. God bless the Zimmer family... each and everyone. Be at peace. Skol.
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525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108
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