Arthur Glenn "Art" Zimmerman

1927 - 2021

Arthur "Art" Glenn Zimmerman
May 29, 1927 - August 17, 2021
Elk Grove, California - Art Zimmerman (94 years young) passed away peacefully with his daughter (Ann) and son-in-law (Mike) by his side. He was the only child of Edgar and Marvel Zimmerman, pastors in Pittsburg. Even as a tiny tyke, "Glenn" was quite an adventurer, making the newspaper twice. At age 4, Glenn set out one evening to explore the world. While at church, his parents thought their little boy was asleep on a pew, but he'd slipped away and managed to safely traverse 3 streets before being spotted by police. At age 6, Glenn attempted aerial acrobatics where he tried to balance on a high fence, but he lost his footing and broke his arm.
Not one to be deterred by challenges, Glenn remained involved in a multitude of activities after moving to Winters. Upon graduating from Winters H.S. in 1945, he'd been: Selected for Boys' State, Student Body President, in band, on Yearbook staff, and in all 4 sports. At his 50th reunion, he was asked to be the keynote speaker (an honor he enjoyed, since he loved telling jokes and making people laugh).
Following high school, Glenn enlisted in the Navy and served in the Philippines. When he returned, he worked a year in The Forestry Department. As he helped with children's sports, however, he realized that his true calling was working with children. In 1952, he completed a BA in Education and received his teaching degree from CSUS. In all but 4 of his 35 years of teaching, he taught 5th/6th grades at David Luben Elementary School. When he completed an MA, he was offered a lead 6th grade position at Theodore Judah Elementary School. After he retired, students he'd run into would say how much they'd enjoyed his classes and what an impact he'd had on them.
In 1965, Art married his wife (Louise). He became an "instant parent" to Lou's daughter (Ann) who cherished the years they shared together. Art and Lou loved traveling and visited every state, except Alaska. When he turned 70, his passion for sports galvanized him to enter the Senior Olympics (where he won gold in sprints). At 92, he reached 5,000 miles on a recumbent bike (featured in the media).
Most people would have looked forward to a relaxing retirement after 35 years of teaching, but Art was just getting his "second wind". For the next 21 years, he worked as Educational Services Director at The Sacramento Bee and received their Outstanding Employee Award in 1990. When his wife became ill in 2008, he retired to look after her. After she passed in 2009, he moved into The Commons of EG. Ever active until his final days, Art held office on their Residents' Council, spearheaded the Staff Christmas Fund, and participated in a myriad of activities offered daily. Deepest gratitude to the staff and residents for their kindness and loving support! Art, who is survived by family and friends who cherished him, touched many lives. He'll be missed by all who knew him. Although he was a spiritual person, his request during this pandemic was that there not be a memorial service. Any remembrances should be sent to the charity of your choice.