Post Messenger Recorder -

Kenneth E. Zimmerman Sr., age 83 of New Glarus, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2019, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison after a brief struggle with cancer. He was born on May 2, 1936 in Monroe, the son of Albert and Wilma (Arn) Zimmerman.

Ken attended New Glarus Schools and on June 2, 1956, he was united in marriage to Frances Smith at the Belleville Evangelical and Reformed Church. Ken first worked at Pre-Stress Concrete in Verona and then in the late 70's started Zim's Carpentry. Over the years his hands and heart touched many buildings and people throughout the New Glarus area. Ken was a lifelong member of the Swiss United Church of Christ and had served on the church consistory. He was also member of the New Glarus Lions Club, serving as Lion Tamer, and recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. Ken also volunteered many hours for Habitat for Humanity and was a member of the Edelweiss Chalet Country Club, Verona Squares, and Star Valley Birds and Bucks.

Ken is survived by his wife of 63 years, Fran; children, Ken (Sue) Zimmerman Jr. and Kay Zimmerman; grandchildren, Craig (Lisa Rich) Zimmerman, Kelsey (Jackson) Gabriel, and Ryan Zimmerman; great-grandchildren, Finley and Iliana Zimmerman. He is further survived by his brother, Ron Zimmerman; sister, Charlotte Ames; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Mary Rhyner; brothers, Clayton and Howard; granddaughter, Kerri; and great-granddaughter, Skyler.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 16, 2019, at the Swiss United Church of Christ, 18 Fifth Avenue, New Glarus, WI, with the Rev. Kim Moeller officiating. Inurnment will be in the Swiss Cemetery, New Glarus. A gathering of relatives and friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 15, 2019, at the Swiss United Church of Christ, 18 Fifth Avenue, New Glarus, WI.

A memorial fund has been established.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.

An online memorial with guestbook is available at http://www.bealfuneralhomes.com.