Longtime Sandy resident, Jerry Zimmerman died at Portland Adventist Hospital on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at the age of 78.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Firhill Memorial Cemetery. A potluck will follow at Jerry's home after the service.
Gerald G. Zimmerman was born on February 22, 1934 to Edwin and Sophia (Verworn) Zimmerman in Glen Ullin, North Dakota. He began his schooling in North Dakota and at the age of 17, the family moved to Oregon and made their home in Portland where he finished his education. Jerry then began working for a Lumber Company in Portland and later at Safeway Warehouse. In 1955, Jerry was married to Dorothy Reynolds. They were later divorced.
In 1973, Jerry was introduced to Nancy Hodge by her x-brother in law. They dated for a short time and were united in marriage on September 22, 1973 in Lincoln City on the beach. They made their home in Oregon City and Jerry pursued his career at Kunplenger Lumber Company as a Foreman until retiring in 1994 due to declining health. In 1976, Jerry and his family moved to Sandy and made their permanent home.
Jerry enjoyed camping, riding motorcycles both street and dirt bikes, fishing, hunting, traveling in their motor home and spending time at their home in Yuma during the Oregon winter months and watching humming birds. In his younger years, he was a very active man.
Surviving is his wife Nancy of almost 39 years; his sons, Randy Zimmerman of Milwaukie, Brad Zimmerman of Dickson, Tennessee, Mark Zimmerman of Milwaukie, Dale Merwin of Sandy and Dan Merwin also of Sandy; his brothers, twin brother Herald Zimmerman of Yuma, Arizona, Art Zimmerman of Dickinson, North Dakota and Bruce Zimmerman also of Dickinson, North Dakota; his sisters,Mary Dodd of Milwaukie, OR, Darlene Schock of Dickinson, North Dakota, Betty Tkach of Williston, North Dakota and Dolores Zimmerman of Dickinson, North Dakota; 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son Gerald Zimmerman Jr.; his parents, 2 brothers, Lloyd and Henry Zimmerman and 2 sisters, Rose Heinle and Alvina Just.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association.