Passed away peacefully, Monday, September 28, 2015 with his family by his side. Age 78." Survived by his longtime companion Tina McPartlin, his four children Mary Lynn (Randal) Gerencher, Greg (Loreen) Zimmerman, Gary (Teresa) Zimmerman and Sara (Robert) Mayotte; six grandchildren Amber, Erin and Ryan Gerencher, Jake and Jeff Zimmerman and DJ Mayotte. Preceded in death by his wife Kathleen (nee McCauley) Zimmerman, his parents Wilbur and Mathilda Zimmerman. Born December 9, 1936 in Streator, IL and a longtime Joliet resident. Graduate of St. Patrick's Catholic School and Joliet Catholic High School. Veteran of the US Army in Korea and on the Pistol Team in HI. He married Kathleen McCauley in 1958. Retired after 32 years from the post office as a letter carrier. A natural song and dance man. On his 5th Birthday he performed "Swanee River" during Pearl Harbor. He played accordion, dabbled in banjo and ukulele and could 'rock the hell' out of a sweet potato. He loved fishing, golfing and camping. A die hard Chicago Bears season ticket holder and "Master of Tailgate Chef", as evidence by John Maddens glowing telestrator 'thumbs up' of his "Eggs ala Zimm" and Rumaki. He traveled extensively, running into at least one person from Joliet, where ever he went, frequently knowing their addresses, thanks to his attention to detail during his tenure with the post office. "He was a perennial power-hitter for the Speedboys A.C."…he never did learn to slide. Funeral services will be held from the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home 2320 Black Road, on Friday, October 2, 2015 at 10:30 AM, to St. Mary Nativity for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 AM In lieu of flowers memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project, 230 W. Monroe Street, Ste 200, Chicago, IL 60606. Visitation Thursday 4:00-8:00 PM.