Obituary of Roger Sheldon Zimmer
Roger Zimmer, age 80, of Flint, died Saturday, November 3, 2018, at his home, surrounded by family. A funeral service and celebration of Roger’s life will take place, 1:00 pm, Thursday, November 8, 2018, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mount Morris. Pastor Larry Nelson to officiate with cremation to follow. Roger’s family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and again on Thursday, from 11:00 am until the time of the service at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a charity of your choice or do a kind deed in the name of Roger. Roger was born in Ada, Michigan, on November 24, 1937, to the late Mr. and Mrs. King and Azora (Figgins) Zimmer. Roger faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged on July 31, 1962. On October 20, 1962, he married his love, Jeanine Lowell. The two started their own family, having three children. Roger retired from General Motors in 1994 where he worked as a shift fireman and as a Committeeman. In 1972, Roger joined the Beecher Fire Department. His hard work and dedication to his department and community led him to earn the rank of Battalion Chief before he retired with over 30 years of service. Roger’s love for helping people did not end at his firefighting duties. He would do anything to help someone in need, and he always put others before himself. At family and social gatherings, he could often be found sharing ice cream or goodies with all, making sure that nobody went without. He once gave someone the shirt off of his own back; he made sure that people were taken care of. His kind spirit led him to be a prankster, and always loved telling and hearing jokes. Roger was an active member of the Auto City Eagles, and the UAW local #326. He could be found in his garden tending to his roses, playing cards, having cookouts, and camping. His favorite camping spot was in Perth, Ontario, Canada, where many summers were spent fishing and having good times with friends. Roger was extremely proud of his family; with all his heart, he loved his family and his dog, Gizmo. He taught his family and the people he loved always to be kind and stand proud. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Jeanine Zimmer; children: Gerry and wife, Linda Zimmer, Maria Cannon and Jon Arnold, Debbie DeCoe and Larry Ostrander; grandchildren: Jason, Lindsey (Brian), Aleshia (Charlie), Bradley (Alicia), Brian (Amanda), Elba (Jaime), Nikki, Shaun, Zach; great-grandchildren: Alex, Brian, Trenton, Grayson, Parker, Abrianna, Kennedy, Rowen, Rylie, Samantha, Sabrina, Troy siblings: Marianne, Buzzy and Sally, Dennis and Loraine, Donald, Doris; in-laws: Bud, Don, Allan, and Linda, Amy; and many nieces and nephews. Roger was preceded in death by his parents; sister Jeanette Dickerson, son-in-law Steve Cannon, mother, and father-in-law, Arthur and Estella Lowell; brothers-in-law: Randy Lowell, Richard Dion, nephew Tommy Zimmer, niece Lisa Lowell; and his beloved dog Gizmo. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Care Team Hospice and Lynda Cowan, for their compassionate care of Roger. Friends may share a memory with the family at the funeral home or online at www.martinfuneralhome.com.