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BORN
1945
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Keith Zimmerman Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Keith Zimmerman
Sponsored by Mason-White Funeral Home - Washington.
Bill Haworth
July 6, 2025
I was one of the 22 student teachers that had the opportunity, honor and pleasure to learn under the guidance, supervision and leadership of Keith Zimmerman. I was a student at IWU and was so excited when I learn that Dr. Zimmerman would be whom I would be student-teaching under. It was the fall semester of my senior year which would have been September through December of 1973. Not only was Keith an amazing teacher from whom I learned so much, but his students during that time period were amazing. Junior high age students can be challenging for a student teachers, but Keith´s students were all very serious about music and nothing but ladies and gentlemen - much to the credit of "Z," their favorite teacher.
The earth lost a star when Keith passed on, but Heaven gain a very bright one.
Sue Knight
July 4, 2020
My daughter, Jennifer, was one of his many, many students in the Lincoln Dist. 27 music program. She learned so much from Mr. Z (that was how he was know to his students) and admired him very much. Thank you Mr. Zimmerman.
Kirsten McKeown
June 25, 2020
Z was my band director for two years at LJHS, and then my saxophone teacher for the next four years. He was funny, demanding, and caring. His standards were always extremely high, but then he taught us how to meet them each time. Receiving a compliment from him was always special, because you knew he really meant it. Even at my young age at the time, I knew I was learning from a phenomenal teacher. I still have the saxophone mute he made for all his private students, and I remember more than once walking into an audition and being recognized as Z's student by my mute. Z taught me many lessons about saxophone and about life, but the most important and long-lasting was that that if you are going to do anything, do it with excellence. I will always be grateful for the time he so generously spent teaching me.
Beverly Newberry Brown
June 20, 2020
I had "Z" as a sax teacher from fall of '71-spring of-74. That's 6th grade thru 8th. He wrote me a letter when I graduated 8th grade that I still have. I started out a horrible sax player and ended up a terrific player!! I am now 4 months from my 59th birthday and I bawled like a baby when I saw "Z's" obituary. I still love and respect that man. Those of us in jazz band were "special ", so we saw more of "Z" than most of the concert band members. I love you Z and you play for St. Peter and Jesus and God. They will love your tenor and soprano. I had no idea how extensive your education, teaching, and playing experiences were which means you were a humble man. I learned later you had formed a group that traveled Europe (WOWSERS!!) but that was all I knew. I did a Google search for you because I wanted to call you and catch up and let you know you couldn't do Newberry jokes on my life!!!❤. And to let you know I still loved you!!!
Susan Somerville Brown
June 18, 2020
What an honor to have known and worked ever so briefly with Dr. Zimmerman - such a sweet yet strong spirit - who deeply touched University United Methodist Church with his talents. Rest in piece, lovely gentleman. My heart is greatly saddened since you left this world, but I praise God for your life and that you are home.
June 18, 2020
I remember him always performing at St. Mark's christmas eve services, really loved his talent. Will sure be missed
Ken Reese
June 17, 2020
I met Keith or as I knew him "Z", when I was in 6th grade, that was about 32 years ago. He was my music instructor for the next 7 years. However he was more than that during that time. He was my mentor, friend, and counselor. Z helped through some tough decisions and always pushed me to be better. He will be missed.
Bobby Oldham
June 16, 2020
Me Z was one of my all time favorite teachers. Always pressing you to do the best you could in a nice way. Rest easy sir.
Chad Sheley
June 16, 2020
I learned so much from him in the short 2 years at Lincoln Jr. High. He knew how to teach and get the most out of all of his students. He will be missed by all his children
June 15, 2020
When you have an instructor who can have an outstandingly group every year you know it has to be the instructor. I have never heard of a poor jazz band or band in the years he was at Lincoln. Both of my children were in band and I treasure the records of both of their jazz bands. Beverly Feese Clark
Laina Winkler
June 15, 2020
He will be greatly missed. I can imagine him joining in on the music of heaven and feeling the love of music more deeply than he ever thought possible while here with us. I'm excited for him that he will fully understand how the sharing of his gift did more for hearts than just giving the opportunity of listening to something beautiful. His gift of music touched us when nothing else is able, Keith was one of a kind.
Nan (Poole) Cook
June 15, 2020
What can I say about Mr Z? He was my junior high band directory and leader of the Trojan Jazz Band in Lincoln, way back when (as I see now) he was just out of college himself. He always treated those of us who were in both groups as colleagues more than students, and tried to pass on his love of jazz to us. Whether or not we really were, he always made us feel like we were great! I'm very sorry to hear about his passing.
Beth Carter
June 15, 2020
Mr. Z was always a musical inspiration. He knew and shared so much. Though as an adult I worked with him, I never considered myself a colleague - always a student. He will be missed by his musical community.
Brad Mahony
June 15, 2020
Sad to hear of Keiths passing, but grateful he is with the Lord and his parents again. I always loved talking with Keith and learned so much from him, especially about the history of Washington. He will be missed.
Jim Allison
June 14, 2020
I am very saddened to learn of Zs passing! He was an incredible musician and encouragerand an ideal music teacher and band conductor for countless young people. He will be missed!
Eldon Broster
June 14, 2020
Keith was a dedicated and caring teacher. His students looked up to him and respected him.
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