Guy Zimmerman

SPREAD EAGLE, Wis. - Guy W. Zimmerman, 73, of 1524 Point Brey Road in Spread Eagle, died peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008, at his home. Guy was born May 30, 1935, in Fond du Lac, Wis., the only son of the late William and Evelyn (Retzleff) Zimmerman. He graduated from Fond du Lac Senior High School in 1953, and shortly after enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard. He received an honorable discharge from the National Guard in 1961 as a private first class. He worked as a machinist and marine mechanic at Kiekhaefer Mercury Motors of Fond du Lac from 1961-1967. He was employed at Hardy Marine from 1967-1970, and he purchased Hardy Marine in 1970. Guy developed and expanded the business to include motorcycles, snowmobiles, and ATVs, as well as boats and motors. This change from seasonal summer marina to an all season recreational resource was reflected in the new business name, Spread Eagle Marine and Cycle. He retired in 1997. Guy, "Zimmy," pursued his love of the outdoors in both his personal and professional life. He was an avid hunter and an excellent marksman. Depending on the season, he enjoyed many hours on the plains on his ATV or snowmobile. He established the winter Spread Eagle Snowmobile Races, which became a well-attended annual event. Guy possessed a special rapport with all animals, especially his black lab, Raven, and his horse, King. He loved to travel to exotic places like Brazil, Greece, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. He was a loyal and optimistic Packer backer and never missed a game. Guy is survived by his partner of 24 years, Meg Zeckel of Spread Eagle; his son, Robert (Annette) Zimmerman of Spread Eagle; three sisters, Carole (Frank) Rebedew of Neshkoro, Wis. and Joyce Gardner and Lindy Zimmerman, both of Fond du Lac; Guy's "favorite girl," Raven; his friend, Emelie and several nieces, nephews and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Zimmerman; his sister, Wilma Lakin; and two brothers-in-law, Bert and Joseph. Visitation will be today from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. There will be a prayer vigil at 7 p.m. followed by the rosary at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Msgr. James Kaczmarek will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Pallbearers will be Charles Kellstrom, William Gardner, Fred Giachino, Mel DeGroot, Dan Beauchamp, Rich Victorson, Al Rahoi and Fred Fox. Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. Donations to the Guy Zimmerman Memorial Fund can be made to Mackenzie's Animal Sanctuary of Lake Odessa, Mich. (Midwest's largest no kill dog rescue) online at www.mackenzies.info or to the American Heart Association.

Guy Zimmerman

November 27, 1935 - November 27, 2008