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Steven Zimmerman Obituary

STEVEN PAUL ZIMMERMAN, 59 ROCKFORD - Steven Paul Zimmerman, 59, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 30, 2015, with his family by his side. He was born December 6, 1955, in Galesburg, IL and spent most of his fulfilling life in Rockford, IL. After graduating from Guilford High School, The University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign, and earning his J.D. from The University of Georgia, Steve, his wife, Martha, and eldest son, Nicholas, moved back to Rockford to continue their lives together. Steve was an active member of the community: longtime member of the YMCA and past Board member, annual campaign member and past Chairman of Strong Kids. He volunteered legal support to Sinnissippi Alliance for the Environment, League of Women Voters, Booker Washington Center, Arthritis Foundation, Patriots Gateway Center, La Voz Latina, Tinker Swiss Cottage, and Prairie State Legal Services. He found tremendous happiness through his friendships, summers sailing in Maine as a young man, basketball at the YMCA, rowing crew on the Rock River, kayaking trips, weekends at Green Lake, WI., and most importantly through watching his family grow - especially his grandchildren. Professionally, Steve worked 33 years in private practice as an attorney. He was a Board member and former Chairman of the Winnebago County Bar Association Real Estate Committee and Section. Steve also served on and was a past Chairman of the Illinois Bar Association Real Estate Section Council. He is survived by his loving family: his parents, Don and Betty Zimmerman; his wife, Martha; his children, Nicholas (Suzanne), Ashley (Matt), and Colin; his grandchildren, Wyatt, Everett, Kaia, Caroline, and Aubrey; the families of his brothers, David, Doug, and Brad; and the families of his sisters-in-law, Karen Moore and Sarah Nichols. The family greatly appreciates the outpouring of love and support from friends and colleagues over the past few years. Memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Nicholas Conservatory, 1354 N 2nd St, Rockford, IL 61107. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Rockford Park District Foundation to be used for riverfront development at 401 S. Main St., Rockford, IL 61101, as Steve wished.

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Published by Rockford Register Star from May 1 to May 2, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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May 23, 2015

Dear Martha and Family,
Steve had a big heart, he was a good person and his gentle smile and easy going ways will always endear him to our family. We are grateful for his life and feel privileged to have known him. May your family take comfort in knowing that he accomplished much by serving the needs of others. Steve touched our lives and our lives are better for having known him. May your family take comfort in these words from an unknown author,

God saw he was getting tired,and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around him and whispered, come with Me. With tearful eyes we watched him suffer and saw him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

May God's love surround you and comfort you in the days ahead and may Steve's memory and the life you shared together as a family sustain you in your grief. With our deepest sympathy,
Cindy Blough Olson and Family

Toni & Brad Vander Heyden

May 18, 2015

My heart, as I am sure all of yours, is still truly saddened by the passing of my friend, Steve. May we all endeavor to continue his professionalism, his kind hearat, and his gracious ways.

Carl Ferolie

May 14, 2015

Dear Zimmerman Family: Martha I learned of Steve's passing from Rich Willis. I want express my heartfelt condolences to you and all the loved ones Steve touched in life. What a great Husband, Father, Son and friend... his storytelling about my sister Terry in his Law Office was inductive of how Steve was, inductive of Steve's dynamic personality, he was a special person who's gift were his infectious smile, personality, whit, charm and kindness. I can't tell u how he also made me smile. What a great guy in life to be friends with and know he is a better. Life is a testament to a Man's legacy. Steve made this sinning Orb a better lace to live in... we will all miss him Martha

John Hagmann

May 14, 2015

I am very sad to hear of Steve's passing. The family is in my thoughts and prayers

Kenny Arvidson

May 12, 2015

Heartfelt condolences to the Zimmerman family. Find comfort in happy memories and support from friends.

Laurie Weikel Miller

May 11, 2015

Dear Zimmerman family, I was fortunate to grow up with Steve from Jr. high thru high school....he was a wonderful friend, always gentle and supportive! My sincere condolences to all of you on such a sad loss. His passing is truly a testament to ... only the good die young!

May 9, 2015

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Sager Mullgardt

Julie Martin-Steele

May 8, 2015

Dear Zimmerman family~
I was so stunned and sad to hear of Steve's passing. I am thankful to have known him as a friend, neighbor, and the all around great guy he was. Prayers to Don and Betty as you grieve your loss.

Karen Martini

May 7, 2015

Dear Martha & family ,
We want to offer our sincere condolences to all of you ! We had not heard about Steve's illness and passing until yesterday. There are so many fond memories of knowing Steve in high school and then later having the privilege of being neighbors of your family on Oxford St for close to 20 years ! Our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Much Love,
Chuck & Karen Martini

Jan Luedke Stevenson

May 6, 2015

Dear Zimmerman family, my deepest sympathies to all of you, I have many fond highschool memories of Steve. ALWAYS a gentleman and very kind person. I will lift everyone in prayer daily.
Jan Luedke Stevenson

Dennis Hite

May 5, 2015

My sincere condolences to Steve's entire family, I will remember him as a very classy gentleman on and off the basketball court, where we shared many wonderful conversations. I am praying our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, will give each of you the strength you need during this difficult time.

May 5, 2015

Dear Julie and Libby
You and your extended families are in my prayers. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Terri Griffin

Shane Hartje

May 5, 2015

Steve will be greatly missed - one of the most caring people that I have ever dealt with in the Real Estate Industry over the last 20 years - My condolences to his entire family - God Bless

Ruth and Dave Wenzel

May 5, 2015

Dave and I have been praying for Steve since we heard of his diagnosis. We were saddened to hear of his passing. He was so full of life. We will miss seeing him at Green Lake. Our prayers are now with your family.

Kim Moon Drell

May 4, 2015

My sincere condolences on the loss of Steve. I have many fond memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with the Zimmerman family.

May 4, 2015

Dear Martha and family, Betty and Don
Dave and I are so terribly sad about Steve's passing. He was such a wonderful man and I know he leaves such a huge hole.I still remember when Nick was a baby and spending time with Steve and all of you at the Zimm's house.It was great seeing him and your family at Tylerand Kelly's wedding. We send you love and support at this incredibly difficult time. Love Jill Herons Windahl and David Windahl

Jody Sneed

May 4, 2015

I believe there wasn't a person that didn't love Steve. He was one of the few Attorneys that I feel was honest, fair, and upstanding. He was a true professional and an all around great guy. I am sorry for your loss, and truly feel honored you have known him.

May 4, 2015

Martha and family,
We were so sad to hear of Steves death. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Greg & Sandy Ridge (Fostoria, Ohio)

Kathi Anderson

May 4, 2015

A fine man and true gentleman in all aspects of his life. It was my privilege to have known Steve.

May 4, 2015

So very sorry to hear of Steves passing. He was a phenomenal man and will be missed. We will continue to pray for your family.
Ted and Michelle Gaffney and (Chelsea and Luke)

Ken Sabien

May 3, 2015

I am shocked to hear of Steve's death. He used to call me bussien while I was growing up. He went through school with my brother Randy. He will be sorely missed.

Debbi Reitsch Mitchell

May 3, 2015

Zimmerman Family, I am sending my deepest condolences for the loss of Steve. You are in my thoughts.

May 3, 2015

Dear Martha

My condolences to you and your family Steve was a man of many qualities . He will be miss by many , I certainly will miss him, he was my friend, then my attorney .
Carlos Bengoa

Dan Wharton

May 3, 2015

Dear Mr. Zimmerman,
You and your wonderful family have had a profound impact on me and my family's life over the years - one that is difficult express. Although we have not kept in contact, my family and I (especially my sister Anne and I) grieve with you in your loss. Words can never express this - but our souls cry with yours and your families in the loss of your dear son.

May 3, 2015

Ashley and family,
I am sorry so to hear of your loss. May your memories be in your hearts forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jody Tomilonus

Brian & Liz Boyer

May 3, 2015

Dearest Martha, We loved spending time with you and Steve. Always big smiles thinking of "Folk Boy" at Green Lake. Steve helped us with our first real estate transaction in 1984 and was a great friend from the start. I will always remember his stories as we rowed on the Rock and late night crew set ups for The Head of the Rock. He was a First Class Man. We will miss him greatly but remember him fondly forever. Brian & Liz Boyer

Beth Russell

May 2, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Steve was always a kind and generous man. Thinking of you all as you grieve your loss and celebrate his life.

Marylee and Fred Frank

May 2, 2015

Martha and Family,
We are so sad to learn of Steve's passing. His beautiful obituary says it all about his loving and giving life. What a blessing he was to so many. May God sustain you all during this most difficult time.

May 2, 2015

I am so very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies. I had the wonderful pleasure of being a classmate of Steve's at Guilford High. He will be deeply missed. Barb Griffin Tithof (Ogden Dunes IN)

Kirk Schlupp

May 2, 2015

Our family's thoughts prayers go out to Steve and his family. I graduated with Steve from Guilford. I have had a lot fond memories. He was a great human being. He will be greatly missed.

Missy Minnaert

May 2, 2015

Our hearts are broken for all of you. Steve was a man of great character and kindness. We are praying for all of you Martha, Nick, Ash & Colin.
God Bless!
Missy, Jake, Will & Gilli

May 2, 2015

Zimmerman Family.. We are so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. We have been blessed to have met such a kind and passionate person. Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
The Howald/Anderson Families

Steve and Sarah Wadsworth

May 2, 2015

As first cousins, we had many summers of playing together. The little boy I once knew became a substantial man. My deepest condolences and love to all of you.

Nalewanski Family

May 1, 2015

Steve was such a great man, lawyer and a true gentleman. May the entire Zimmerman Family be comforted by the great memories of a great man, may GOD bless you all!

Linda and Bruce Nelson

May 1, 2015

Steve was the epitome of a fine human being. A true professional in the field of law, helping his clients with matters big and small. He will truly be missed. Our sincere, heartfelt condolences to his personal family and office family. We are so sorry.....

Jeff Paul

May 1, 2015

Peggy and I are so sad to hear of Steve's passing. We have so many happy memories of Steve and Martha from those wonderful years at U of I. We all grew up together from naive freshmen to adults ready to take on the world. Steve was always so full of fun and life, and we hope his memory will bring joy to the family as the pain of this time moves on. Please accept our sincere condolences.

Robin Lysne

May 1, 2015

We will all miss Steve's smile and his generous heart. What a great guy! Much love and sympathy to the Zimmerman. Martha, Betty and Don, and children, and grandchildren, our hearts are with you.
With love from the Heerens' Family and Robin Lysne

Gregory Zies

May 1, 2015

Such a great man! Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Zimmerman family..
-Zies Family

Ronie & Joe Kampf

May 1, 2015

Steve was an amazing man and will be terribly missed by all. His memory will forever be in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zimmerman family as they celebrate a life well lived and lost too soon.

Lee Nalewanski

May 1, 2015

The Zimmerman Family, I am so very sorry to hear of Steve leaving us. Rockford has lost a very special man and human being. May GOD Bless and keep you all in the Palms of His Hands during this time.

Jessica Horstman

May 1, 2015

My first FSBO, the Seller used Steve as his attorney. I was so thankful it was Steve on the other side of the table! Steve's integrity and character are unforgettable. God bless you Zimmermans!

David Lindman

May 1, 2015

So very sad for the loss of Steve. My deepest condolences to all of his friends and family. He was a tremendous friend, attorney, teammate, and man. I enjoyed many wonderful moments spent in his company. I will treasure those! Steve was, indeed, a GREAT man!!!

Venessa Ross-Powell

May 1, 2015

My prayers and thoughts go out to Steve 's family. Steve had such a kind heart and a wonderful personality. I always enjoyed our meetings and I will truly miss his smile. God Bless you Steve!!

Sidney Woods

May 1, 2015

To the Zimmerman family i remeber playing basketball with steve at the ymca and nick be with him steve was a great man ,now he's in God's have going to miss you zimm

Kirsten Milton

May 1, 2015

Zimmerman Family, I am so sorry for your loss. When I think of basketball games in junior high and high school, I think of Mr. Zimmerman and how he was always there cheering on the team. My thoughts and prayers are with your family throughout this difficult time.

Fran Meyer

May 1, 2015

"It isn't what he has which directly expresses the worth of a man, but what he is." Steve was a man of integrity. I pray that the comfort and support of friends and family will strengthen and encourage everyone through this time of grief.

Loreen MacDonald

May 1, 2015

I count it a privilege to have known Steve for the past 15 years. Always a professional, yet always a kind and thoughtful man with a smile on his face. He will be missed. My prayers go out to his family.

Tom and Sue Vincent

May 1, 2015

Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time...

Tom Wartowski

May 1, 2015

I posted the news of Steve's passing on my Facebook Page yesterday and the response was swift and unanimous from the many who responded: Steve was a great lawyer and a wonderful person. We will miss him and that wonderful smile of his.

My condolences to Martha and the rest of his family for their loss. Thank you for sharing him with us. Now let us help you share your loss.

Steve has left a legacy in many, many ways but we will miss the man himself.

God's Speed.

Mike Taylor

May 1, 2015

I am so sorry for your lose, Knowing Steve is not in pain now will help someday. He was and always will be one of a kind, Special person

Tricia Kiddell

May 1, 2015

Steve will be missed by so many especially by his loving family. What a wonderful man we have lost but in our hearts forever. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

Ross (Dozer) Renton

May 1, 2015

Rest in peace Steve, Thank you for all the good talks, you will be remembered, Sorry for the great lose to the family and friends,God bless your family..

Pam Borowski

May 1, 2015

My heart goes out to the Zimmerman family. Steve was our Association Attorney and friend and will be dearly missed by all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Pam Borowski, AE RANWIL

Joe Marconi

May 1, 2015

So sorry to hear of Steve's passing...he was a gentleman and a credit to his profession.

Gary Pippel

May 1, 2015

My condolences to Steven's family and to my good friends and trombone teacher, Don and Betty. I baby sat Steven and his three other brothers many years ago. A fine family for sure. May the Lord bless you all.

Paul Huber

May 1, 2015

Steve was a consummate professional and an even better person. He will be missed. My condolences to his family in a time of great loss.

Diane Deppe

May 1, 2015

Martha, I am incredibly sorry for your loss. My condolences reach out to your family. I remember Steve as always having a huge smile on his face! He was such a positive person. Great memories of a great man.

Frank Guzzardo

May 1, 2015

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Vince Feleccia

May 1, 2015

To Martha and all of Steve's family, my deepest condolences. Steve helped me more times than I can count in my real estate career. But what I most remember is our lunches together. We would discuss law, politics and whatever was going on in the world. His brilliant mind was matched with an equal level of compassion. I learned a lot about understanding both sides of an issue from him. He was more than a professional ally, he was a mentor and a friend.

Allyson Misevich

May 1, 2015

What a great guy! He was always there to give legal advice to anyone who asked. Not too many are cut from the same cloth. Heaven is lucky to get him so early. He will be truly missed by all of us! God speed Steve. Prayers for his wonderful family to always look for the rainbows

May 1, 2015

Prayers for you during this sad time.
Prudy Court

May 1, 2015

Steve was a wonderful loving family man. He seemed to always be positive even through his difficulties. Our hearts and prayers go out to all his family. God bless. Steve and Jeanine Elsberg

May 1, 2015

Joellyn and I are sorry to hear of Steven's passing and offer our prayers to the entire family. We are now assured of his peace. Comfort and peace to all.
Roger Ellis

Rose Orbison

May 1, 2015

What a wonderful man and a true gentleman. I feel very fortunate to have known him. My thoughts are with his beautiful family. Peace and love to all.

Showing 1 - 64 of 64 results

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