Henry Martin Zimmer Jr. of McKean, PA died at age 90 on May 1, 2015 at Independence Court in Erie, PA. Henry was born July 22, 1924 in McKean Township on his family?????s farm where he continued to live for 87 years. He is the last surviving sibling of the late Henry Zimmer Sr. and Ida Kuffer Zimmer.
Henry lived his life around the core values of God, family and hard work. He pursued his lifelong passion for dairy farming late into his life, still raising cattle at 86. When he was not working on his farm, he was devoting time to sub-dividing his land and developing the Deer Run subdivision. His unstoppable work ethic was evident in the meticulous manor he maintained his farm and properties while always giving glory to God for what he had been blessed with. He attended the First Alliance Church on Zimmerly Road in Erie.
Henry leaves his wife, Dorothy Jane Behnke Zimmer, with whom he celebrated his 68th wedding anniversary on April 16, 2015. He is also survived by his four daughters, Patricia Hoffman and her husband William; Janet Young and her husband Jeffrey; Carolyn Young and her husband Kenneth; and Penny Sue Zimmer and her partner JR Hammil, all local; and seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The cornerstone of Henry?????s life along with God, was his family, and they always came first. He had many cherished trips with his wife touring the countryside in their motorhome and was notably proud of his daughters and their beautiful families. While raising his children he served on the General McLane School Board for 20 years, and he especially enjoyed traveling with his youngest daughter, Penny, showing horses. Later, he took great joy in attending all of his grandchildren?????s sporting and music events. His assiduous spirit and work ethic will continue to shine through in his adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by sisters, Luella Haynes and Marie McCray, brothers Harrison and Leonard Zimmer, and infant sisters.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford, PA on Sunday from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday morning for one hour prior to the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Jason Hotchkiss of Erie First Assembly of God will officiate. Burial will follow at Dunn Valley Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank Independence Court and Asera Care Hospice for their kindness and care in his final years.
Dear Janet, Patty, Carolyn, Penny, & Mrs. Zimmer,
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Three and half years at Independence Court . . . and now its time for your Dad (husband) to move on to greener pastures. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan
Dear Friends,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. May God’s peace comfort you.
Robyn and Stephen