DWIGHT, Ill. — Mr. Ivan "Zeke" Zimmerman, 73, of Dwight, Ill., passed away Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, as a result of an auto accident in Nevada Township in Odell, Ill.
Born Dec. 25, 1938, in Wing, Ill., Ivan was the son of John and Rose (Fendrick) Zimmerman. He married Delores F. Humbert on Oct. 10, 1959, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Dwight, Ill.
Zeke owned and operated Zeke's Furniture Mart for 53 years. He enjoyed coaching youth sports in the Dwight area for many years. In his community, he served as president of the Dwight Area Chamber of Commerce and was on the board of directors. He also served as Grand Knight (4th Degree) with the Dwight Knights of Columbus.
Zeke was an avid Chicago Bears fan and also enjoyed watching Chicago White Sox baseball. He was also a Race Car Official "Flag Man" for more than 15 years across the Illinois area.
Zeke was a very loving husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. "Poppy" had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, Courtney and Keegan. His greatest enjoyment was watching them in their sporting events. He will be missed by all his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Delores; a son, Wayne Zimmerman of Lisle, Ill.; and a daughter, Brenda (Phil) Murray of Naperville, Ill.; two grandchildren, Courtney and Keegan Murray; two sisters, Marilyn Grieff of Gardner and Phyllis ( Morris) Rich of Saunemin; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Valerie Elizabeth Zimmerman; two sisters, Norma Johns and Stella Bessler; as well as three infant sisters and one infant brother.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Dwight.
A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Dwight. Father James Rickey will officiate.
Inurnment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Dwight.
The family suggests memorials be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Dwight, Ill.
Hager Memorial Home, 201 West Mazon Ave., Dwight, Ill., 60420, is in charge of arrangements. For more information, call (815) 584-2666.