John Joseph Zimmer

He retired in 1990 from UA Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 136, of which he had been a member for over 61 years. John was also an instructor for Local 136’s training program for 22 years, where he made a positive impact educating hundreds of apprentices. He particularly enjoyed teaching welding. In 1958, John won the Indiana State Apprentice Competition Pipefitting Division. He was a US Navy Veteran and served aboard the USS Bryce Canyon AD-36 during the Korean Conflict. He was involved in the Catholic community throughout his life and was an active member of St. Rupert Catholic Church. He was THE BEST DAD IN THE WORLD. He created a stable environment and had his priorities right with God and family. He was the anchor of our family. John was a kind, patient, smart, level-headed, and respectful man. He showed his family unconditional love and was a great role model. He made a difference in every life he touched. His grandchildren and great- grandchildren referred to him as “Papaw Peanuts” because he loved eating peanuts and cashews. John treasured spending time with his family. He took great pleasure in fishing, boating, and camping on the river. He appreciated nature and took pride in his knowledge of trees and birds. He was always happy and enjoyed life completely.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte, who passed away October 6, 2014. They were married over 60 years, complemented each other, and had a very loving relationship.

He is survived by his sister, JoAnn Reiber; son, Joe Zimmer; daughter, Kim (Bil) Musgrave; son, Mark (Gayla) Zimmer; son, Dan Zimmer; daughter, Jill Fletcher; grandchildren, Chrissy (Donovan), Nina, Marshall (Elizabeth), Kara, Matt, Michael, Brandon (Erin), Lynn, and twins, John and Cole; great-grandchildren, Leonard “Leo”, Cade, Lillian, Corbin, Lucas, Xander, and Xaileigh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Noon on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at St. Rupert Catholic Church, 1244 West Red Brush Road, Newburgh, officiated by Father Lowell Will, with burial in St. Rupert Catholic Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted. Friends may visit Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 261, Newburgh, and Saturday from 10:00 AM until service time at the Church.

The family would like to send a very special thank you to Dr. Rick Crawford. Our family would be lost without Dr. Crawford’s attentive guidance and unwavering compassion. Sincere gratitude is also sent to Drs. Tatinini and Reed for truly making a difference in the quality of Dad’s life over the years. In addition, appreciation is given to the nursing staff and respiratory therapists on B600 and in the Emergency Room at Gateway Hospital. The family would also like to recognize the outstanding service provided by HLS and Horizon Home Health (Sandy) that made such a difference in our Dad’s care.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Rupert Catholic Church or Unbound: Sponsor a child at www.unbound.org. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com.