John P. “Skelly John” Zimmerman, age 81 of Beaver Dam, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.
John was born on April 15, 1935, the son of Edwin and Irene Zimmerman. In his teenage years, he played accordion and was on the local radio. He was united in marriage to Shirley Weisensel from Columbus in June of 1955. John lived on a farm and was originally a mechanic. He bought a service station (Skelly) in Columbus. After their two sons were born, John and Shirley bought a farm in South Beaver Dam and farmed there for many years. During that time, they added a daughter to their family. John later drove semi truck from Milwaukee to California to Canada and back home. Upon retirement in 1997, he had 3,000,000 miles under his belt. In 1999, he established a subdivision of homes in South Beaver Dam. John worked hard all of his life and always had a smile on his face.
John will be dearly missed by his wife of over 60 years, Shirley of Beaver Dam; his children, David (Corinne) Zimmerman of Fox Lake, Michael (Debra) Zimmerman of Beaver Dam, and Lynn Zimmerman (Dan Gillis) of Beaver Dam; his grandchildren, Tracy (Jon) Berger of Oshkosh, Kevin, Gina and Kyle Zimmerman, all of Beaver Dam, Andrea (Kevin) Eilbes of Beaver Dam, Carrie (Jeremy) Buchholz of Fox Lake, Dustin Pritchard of Beaver Dam; two step-grandchildren, Palmer (Rachel) Gauerke of Fox Lake and Anna Happel of Fond du Lac; 11 great-grandchildren; 7 step-great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law of Beaver Dam and other relatives and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles; infant sister; nephew, Charlie; and an infant grandson.
Visitation for John will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m. Rev. Terry Larson will officiate. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery with a luncheon to be served back at Cornerstone.
Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com
