Merlin Edward Zimmer

Merlin Edward Zimmer (also known as Tuf, Tuffy or Zim), of Green Bay, went to his eternal rest on Saturday, July 12, 2025. He was born April 8, 1937, the son of Edward and Linda (Brusewitz) Zimmer of Green Bay, Wisconsin. On April 1, 1972 he was united in marriage to Carolyn Schlottman at St. John's Lutheran Church in Boyceville, Wisconsin.

Tuf was a 1955 graduate of Green Bay West High School where he played varsity football for three years during their championship years. He was named to second team all state. Tuf helped plan and served as treasurer for the reunions of the West High Class of 1955. He enjoyed the monthly lunches at Barleys with his West High treasured friends and had fond memories of his "Dear Old West High". A graduate of Winona State College, he went on to teach mathematics at Wrightstown High School, Franklin and Lombardi Junior High Schools, and Southwest High School in Green Bay. He also coached football at various levels at these schools.

He was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church where he later served as vice-president of the church council. He was also a member of Peace Lutheran Church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where he served on the council at both, was active on the building and grounds committee, long-range planning committee, and served as an usher and greeter. His faith and involvement in church was an important part of his life.

Involved in the community of Hobart where he lived, he was a volunteer firefighter for over twenty years serving a term as safety officer. He was also a member of the site review committee there.

The village passed a resolution to recognize his service, and the President was quoted as saying "The man has really given more than his share to this Village, and the resolution is intended to recognize that fact".

Tuf loved football, especially the Green Bay Packers. He was a loyal supporter and ticket holder along with his father since 1954. Tuf was also an avid deer hunter and loved hunting with his family members. He also enjoyed golfing with his wife and friends and also working in his shop on woodworking projects. His family reaped the benefits of his labor and talents because of the many beautiful projects he completed for them. Some of his favorite times were family gatherings and time spent in Door County at their condo in Horseshoe Bay. He loved nature and loved to feed the birds and squirrels and to work around the yard. His dogs, Carrie, Candy, and Abby brought him much pleasure. Tuf enjoyed driving around in his convertibles, especially his 1957 Chevrolet.

Merlin is survived by his wife Carolyn; his son, Zachary (Cheryl) and granddaughter Zoey Zimmer. He is further survived by one sister Karlene Butrymowicz; sister-in-law, Diane Zimmer; brother-in-law Arnie Schlottman; nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Betty and Leonard Marohl, Jerrolyn and Jerry Schirk; his brothers, Loren Zimmer and Glenn Zimmer; sister-in-law Trish Schlottman; brother-in-law Darrell Burtymowicz; nephews and godsons Joel Schirk and Bruce Marohl, and a nephew Keith Marohl; his father and mother-in-law, Richard and Arvilla Schlottman.

Family and friends may call at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2736 Glendale Avenue, Howard, Wisconsin from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m with the Rev. Jennifer Fite officiating. Entombment will be at the Fort Howard Mausoleum at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established to help children with illnesses or disabilities, Life Striders (Waukesha, WI), CP (Green Bay) or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Brookfield, WI). Thank you to those who helped save his life and prayed for him after his heart attack at Lambeau Field on September 20, 2015. As his physician said "He had divine intervention". Thanks to everyone else in the health field who helped him on his journey through life.

Tuf was a kind, loving, understanding husband, father, and grandfather. As was his mother's favorite goodbye, "God be with you, till we meet again". He will be missed by his little blue-eyed girl, Zoey. They had a beautiful and loving bond.