Raymond Zimmerman

Raymond Zimmerman was a faithful husband, devoted father, founding member of his church, veteran of WWII, and a hero to many.

Raymond was born on May 26, 1920, the second of Walter and Sophie (Grzywacz) Zimmerman’s three children. Growing up on Seventh Street and the Northwest Side in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Raymond was very close to his siblings. Their parents divorced and the children were raised by their mother.

Raymond was a basketball star at Union High where he was appropriately nicknamed “Flash.” He had to leave school to tend to his sick mother, but he did return later and graduate.

While in school, Raymond met Evelyn “Gaye” Bowl. Their friendship blossomed into love and they became engaged, planning to marry in June of 1942. Their wedding plans were put on hold when Raymond was drafted into the army.

Raymond served as the head air traffic controller at Burtonwood Air Force Base in Burtonwood, England. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant until his discharge in November of 1945.

Returning to Grand Rapids, Raymond and Gaye made their love official on February 14, 1946. They started their married life in an apartment above his mother’s home and they soon started a family of their own. Carol, the first of their three beautiful daughters was born at the end of 1946. Their other daughters, Sue and Beth, followed to complete the family of five.

Raymond began working for Michigan Bell as a lineman and retired forty years later as manager of the installation department.

In his spare time Raymond could be found golfing, attending church, and supporting his children in all of their activities. He was proud of his record of three holes in one. He also was a founding member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, which was an integral part of his life. He supported not only his local parish, but was strong supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Zimmie,” as his family loving to called Raymond, loved country music, butter pecan ice cream and Aunt Mary Ellen’s homemade apple pie. He also loved creamed herring, bacon and eggs, tomatoes, and apple fritters.

Raymond lost his daughter Sue to a rare lung disease when she was young, increasing his already tender heart for sick children.

Raymond Zimmerman of Grand Rapids passed away on June 11, 2008. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Zimmerman; daughters, Susan Zimmerman and Elizabeth Zimmerman; siblings; and mother-in-law, Kathryne Bowl. Raymond is survived by his daughter, Carol Zimmerman; sister and brother-in-law, Jack and Mary Ellen Billin; several nieces and nephews; and his very special neighbors. Raymond was a founding member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Telephone Pioneers of America, and several area golf leagues. A private family graveside service will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital or Hospice of Michigan would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the guestbook.