Jerome W. Zimmer

Jerome W. Zimmer, age 82 of Plymouth, passed away peacefully July 14, 2016 in the presence of his family. Jerry was born in Detroit on May 2, 1934 to Lulu Belle and Thomas R. Zimmer. Along with his sister Janet, brother Tom and, twin brother Jack, he attended St. Philip's grade school and high school on the east side of Detroit. At St. Philip's, he met Joan Carroll, whom he married in 1955. He was a loving, caring son to his parents and parents-in-law, Emmett and Gertrude Carroll.

Jerry graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from General Motors Institute in 1956. For 33 years, he worked for General Motors Hydramatic Division in Ypsilanti including a number of years as a plant manager there before moving to the Gear and Axle Division as plant manager in Hamtramck. He retired after 39 years and in his retirement, kept in touch with many of the friends he made during his career.

Jerry and Joan raised eight children among a large, close-knit group of friends in the Rosedale Gardens neighborhood of Livonia. They were active in St. Michael's parish and the community for many years, Jerry served as Rosedale Gardens Civic Association President, was President of the St. Michael's Credit Union for eleven years, was a member of the Livonia City Planning Commission and, was President of Ladywood High School PTA. In 1986, they moved to their current home just outside downtown Plymouth were they've enjoyed many years with their large family and many friends.

Jerry is survived by his wife Joan, brother Thomas Zimmer (Alice), sister-in-law Ruth Ann Zimmer and his, children and grandchildren: Carroll and Brendan Dillon (Lauren and Brendan); Susan and Timothy Sullivan (Keegan and Keara); Anne and Phil Rettig (Meaghan, Stephen and, Alison); Lisa and Jerome Zimmer, Jr. (Jacob and Rachel); Philip Zimmer (Emily, Emmett, and Marie); Kathy and Christopher Zimmer (Adam, Erin, and Paige); Timothy Zimmer and Kim Johnson; and Jennifer and John Artz (Lily and Cale).

Visitation will be held Monday, July 18th from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main St., Plymouth. Funeral Mass Tuesday, July 19th at 10:30 am at St. Michael Catholic Church, 11441 Hubbard, Livonia. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit.