Claude Joseph Zimmerman

LEXINGTON - A memorial service for Claude Joseph Zimmerman, 96, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with burial in the church memorial garden. A reception for family and friends will follow the funeral mass and interment at the parish Life Center. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street is assisting the family.

Mr. Zimmerman died peacefully Friday, May 29, 2026. Born in Rudolph, Wisc., he was the son of the late Joseph and Brigitta (Kresbach) Zimmerman. He was married to the late Patricia (Rice), of 68 years. Surviving are his daughters, Rose (Ronnie) Monts and Mary (Tom) Valois; sons, Claude (Jana) and John Zimmerman; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brother and sister in-law Betty Schiller, brother-in-law Jim Schiller and his many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased his two sisters: Abigale Hussey, Mary Stukel, his four brothers: Jerome, Clement, Eugene, and Cyril.

He served in the U.S. Air Force and received two medals of commendation before his Honorable Discharge as a Staff Sergeant. He retired from Schnieder Electric (formerly Square D) as a Production Control Manager after 39 years of service. As faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, he volunteered for multiple roles at the church and at Richland Memorial hospital. He enjoyed most sports and was an avid sports fan, always cheering for the Clemson Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Green Bay Packers. He was also an avid gardener and received the Waterbury Yard of the Month award. He enjoyed meeting many of his good friends at Panera’s restaurant every morning to contemplate world events.

The family wishes to thank his daughter Rose for all her patience and support while her parents were in senior living facilities. We’d also like to give a big thank you to his granddaughter Michelle Darazs for her technical support with phones, TVs, etc over the years. We’d also like to thank all those at Merrill Gardens and Oakleaf Village, especially Stephanie Burkardt, who provided Claude with support and friendship over the last 15 years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to St Joseph’s Student Enrichment program.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com