Raywin Zimmerman Obituary

Raywin "Ray" Zimmerman of Elgin A memorial service for Raywin "Ray" Robert Zimmerman, 85, will be held at 11 a.m. today, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 534 N. McLean Blvd., Elgin, with the Rev. Richard Bellas officiating. Born Aug. 14, 1916, in Algonquin, to Charles and Martha (nee Bremmer) Zimmerman, he passed away peacefully at his home, Monday, April 15, 2002, after a valiant, year-long struggle following a severe stroke. Mr. Zimmerman had lived in Elgin since childhood and was employed by the Elgin Watch Case Company for 18 years and the Elgin Metal Casket Company for 25 years, retiring in 1980. Ray served his country during World War II in the 3rd Army, 69th Signal Battalion, and earned the rank of staff sergeant. He was a part of Gen. George Patton's "Ghost Corps" and was present at the liberation of Nazi death camps in Germany. (He later became a member of American Legion Post #57.) He met the love of his life, Marjorie Kassien, at his going-away party before entering boot camp. Much of their courtship was by mail. They were married on Dec. 5, 1942, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church when Ray was home on leave. (They would have celebrated their 60th anniversary this year.) Their first daughter, Judy, was born while Ray was in Europe. News of her birth took a month to reach him and he did not meet her until she was two years old. After his retirement, Ray, along with his wife, was an active volunteer, delivering Meals on Wheels and helping with mailings at Lutheran Bible Translators in Aurora. He was a charter member of Calvary Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir for many years. He loved gardening and often supplied family and neighbors with fresh produce. He also loved fishing with his son, Jeff. Ray was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, with a strong faith in the Lord and a deep love of country. He laughed often and loved to sing. He will be sorely missed. Surviving are his loving wife, Marjorie, who cared for him throughout his illness; daughters, Joyce (John) Allyn of Elgin, Jenell (Craig) Rud of Elgin and Janice (Robert) Christ of Oregon, Ill., formerly of Elgin; son, Jeffrey Zimmerman of Oconomowoc, Wis., formerly of Elgin; grandchildren, Cynthia and Wendy Allyn, and Aaron and Nathan Rud, all of Elgin, and Edward R. and Angela Christ, both of Hampshire; brothers Harold "Chief" Zimmerman and Freadom (Florence) Zimmerman, both of Elgin; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Judith Zimmerman Burren in 1989; seven brothers; and four sisters. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of services today, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Calvary Lutheran Church, to the Oconomowoc Developmental Training Center, or to the World War II National Memorial. Friends may visit www.dailyherald.com/obits to express condolences and sign the guest book.