Keith Allen Zimmermann

Keith Allen Zimmermann began his life's journey in Weimar, Texas, and completed it on March 21, 2022 in Austin at age 67, where he went to join his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be with his dear mother Minnie Merle (Meinke) Zimmermann, Mr. & Mrs. Werner Zimmermann, and his son Gabriel Alonzo who predeceased him.
Keith attended Austin schools with the dream of going to the University of Texas. He graduated in May 1976 from UT/Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Sciences, and in December 1977 with his Master of Science in Engineering. His employment focused on air pollution meteorology, modeling, permitting, monitoring, and expert witness testimony for over 30 years. He worked on the regulatory side for 15 years for the State of Texas, and for more than two decades in private consulting where he founded his own company, Z-Environmental. He was a registered Professional Engineer. Keith's work helped the Earth have a cleaner, safer, healthier atmosphere.
Keith's spiritual journey on Earth took him repeatedly to the Holy Land with his close friend Dr. Thomas Parker. Keith was also a faithful guide to many others, as he led Bible Study Fellowship and assisted in services at Austin Oaks Church as well as Grace Covenant Church.
Keith met his "One and Only", Rita (Varnado) Alonzo, and they married on February 4, 1983. Rita brought her son Gabriel Alonzo and Keith became his Dad. Their son Luke was born in 1985. Keith supported his sons in all their interests. He and Rita sat on many bleachers cheering the boys on during youth soccer, little league baseball, and basketball. During their high school years, he never missed one of Gabriel's basketball games. He lined the fields for Luke's lacrosse games and enjoyed every score. There were many trips to Minute Maid Park to see their beloved Astros. Visits to Major League ballparks were a part of many family vacations. Keith was also a founding season ticket holder and ardent supporter of Austin FC.
Keith was always active as a participant and leader at the highest levels, both intellectually and physically. He was a powerful tournament chess player and an avid experimenter in advanced technologies of all sorts. He was an Extra Class amateur radio operator, the highest category, with callsign K5WX. Keith built much of his own electronic equipment and communicated around the world. For many years he owned and flew his own sailplane.
In extreme sports Keith was an avid ultra-long-distance cyclist with his friend Otto Wheeler and others. Keith repeatedly rode the Houston-to-Austin "MS150", a grueling two-day 180-mile bicycle race that raised funds to help fight multiple sclerosis. In west Texas Keith did the infamous Mount Locke Hill Climb, a steep ascent to the peak where UT's McDonald Observatory is located. He rode the "Tour de Cure" for the American Diabetes Association from Austin to Fredericksburg. Keith also ran multiple marathons including the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC.
Keith's life was full of adventure, exploration, blessed service, and love. He leaves behind his wife, Rita, his son Luke, Sarah Hardy (Luke's partner), his brother Mark and his wife Paulette Dickerson, plus a much beloved extended family. He will be remembered and greatly missed by former colleagues, friends, and fellow worshipers. Keith will forever be in their hearts.
A memorial service will be held April 2 at 1 p.m. at the Sanctuary Christian Life Center at Austin Oaks Church, 4220 Monterrey Oaks Blvd., Austin, Texas 78749.