Obituary for Michael D. Zimmerman
Michael (Mike) D. Zimmerman, 75, of Manistee passed away at his home on Tuesday, October 26, 2021.
Mike was born on November 21, 1945, in Ithaca, Michigan, son of the late Ted and Betty Zimmerman. He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1964 and then attended Central Michigan University, playing baseball for the Chippewas for three years. He married his high school sweetheart Sheryl Shimunek in June of 1966 and welcomed their first child, Kimberly, in 1967.
After graduating from CMU in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Mike’s first job was teaching metal shop, wood shop, welding, and drafting in Tawas, where he also coached football, basketball, and baseball. He later earned a Master’s degree in Education Administration.
In 1971, his first son, Michael, was born. Soon after, Mike took a position in the West Branch Rose City School District teaching drafting and coaching boys varsity basketball. In 1973, the family grew with the birth of his youngest son, Matthew.
For the next seventeen years, Mike passionately coached basketball, football, baseball, and golf while continuing to teach and also serve as athletic director. The family eventually moved to Manistee where Mike would serve as the assistant principal and athletic director for Manistee Public Schools before retiring from education in 2001. He then worked with his sons in the construction business, as well as at Manistee National Golf Resort, where he played as much golf as possible.
Mike’s most enjoyable memories were of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was extremely proud of the outstanding adults and terrific parents that Kim, Michael, and Matt had become. He also had special memories of many of the students and athletes who improved his life. He was an amazing mentor to many and hoped that he played a small part in their life choices. Most of all, Mike had no regrets; he always said he’d do it all over again and never change a thing.
Mike was preceded in death by his daughter Kari Lyn. He leaves behind his loving and gracious wife, Sheryl Zimmerman; children Kimberly (Brian) Noble of West Branch, Michael (Melissa) Zimmerman of Manistee, Matt Zimmerman (Hilary) of Manistee; beautiful grandchildren, Eric (Robin), Todd (Melisa), Jenifer (Jeff), Levi, Allie (Christian), Bradley, Niki, Kari (Morley), Lynsey, Zaiden, Eliza; and great grandchildren, Sutton, Madison, Audrey, Jack, Piper, Max, and Clayton.
A celebration of life will be held at Oak Grove Funeral Home on Saturday, October 30 at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Covenant Church of Manistee, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or the Down Syndrome Family Support and Advocacy Group, all organizations to which Mike and his family have personal connections.
Please share a memory with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com. Arrangements were made by the Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee.
Mike was born on November 21, 1945, in Ithaca, Michigan, son of the late Ted and Betty Zimmerman. He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1964 and then attended Central Michigan University, playing baseball for the Chippewas for three years. He married his high school sweetheart Sheryl Shimunek in June of 1966 and welcomed their first child, Kimberly, in 1967.
After graduating from CMU in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Mike’s first job was teaching metal shop, wood shop, welding, and drafting in Tawas, where he also coached football, basketball, and baseball. He later earned a Master’s degree in Education Administration.
In 1971, his first son, Michael, was born. Soon after, Mike took a position in the West Branch Rose City School District teaching drafting and coaching boys varsity basketball. In 1973, the family grew with the birth of his youngest son, Matthew.
For the next seventeen years, Mike passionately coached basketball, football, baseball, and golf while continuing to teach and also serve as athletic director. The family eventually moved to Manistee where Mike would serve as the assistant principal and athletic director for Manistee Public Schools before retiring from education in 2001. He then worked with his sons in the construction business, as well as at Manistee National Golf Resort, where he played as much golf as possible.
Mike’s most enjoyable memories were of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was extremely proud of the outstanding adults and terrific parents that Kim, Michael, and Matt had become. He also had special memories of many of the students and athletes who improved his life. He was an amazing mentor to many and hoped that he played a small part in their life choices. Most of all, Mike had no regrets; he always said he’d do it all over again and never change a thing.
Mike was preceded in death by his daughter Kari Lyn. He leaves behind his loving and gracious wife, Sheryl Zimmerman; children Kimberly (Brian) Noble of West Branch, Michael (Melissa) Zimmerman of Manistee, Matt Zimmerman (Hilary) of Manistee; beautiful grandchildren, Eric (Robin), Todd (Melisa), Jenifer (Jeff), Levi, Allie (Christian), Bradley, Niki, Kari (Morley), Lynsey, Zaiden, Eliza; and great grandchildren, Sutton, Madison, Audrey, Jack, Piper, Max, and Clayton.
A celebration of life will be held at Oak Grove Funeral Home on Saturday, October 30 at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Covenant Church of Manistee, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or the Down Syndrome Family Support and Advocacy Group, all organizations to which Mike and his family have personal connections.
Please share a memory with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com. Arrangements were made by the Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee.