Obituary of Joseph Zimmer

Husband, dad, grandpa, papa Joe, uncle Joey passed away on Friday November 14, 2014 at the age of 83. Joe was born July, 20, 1931 second son to Carl and Martha Zimmer. Despite his big physique grandma Zimmer often commented that he fit in a shoe box when he was born. He often said that his first bed was grandma's sock drawer. Joe married Jean Bendfeld on April 11, 1966 which was Easter Monday and also grandpa Zimmer's birthday. To this union four children were born; Raymond, Marvin, Sandra and Allen. Joe's passions included being a 4-H leader, Heisler Elks member, many years playing slow pitch and old timers' hockey and the greatest being a full time farmer. Farming was his calling and he proved it right up until his passing. Working the land and being on his machinery was his joy. He always enjoyed mechanical work. Even as a small child he was forever taking his toys apart. His life's work was performed one half miles east of Spring Lake church. Joe's work ethic and dedication to the land made farming the perfect vocation. Joe loved his children and grandchildren; he always had a joke, a piece of liquorice, a quad or a tractor ride ready for them when they visited. He would have them check for baby kittens and calves with him in the spring and would have them wash tractor windows or tinker on one of the used lawn mowers he would buy to give them a few extra spending dollars. Joe passed down his faith to his family rarely missing mass until he was no longer able, however he never missed watching daily mass. Joe is survived by his devoted wife Jean; his children Raymond (Tammy) of Daysland, Marvin (Lori -Ann) of Camrose, Sandra (Francis) Keichinger of Galahad, and Allen (Rhonda) of Alix;13 grandchildren; his brother Lenny (Marion) Zimmer; sisters-in-law Peggy Zimmer, Doreen (Doyle) Badry and brothers-in-law Bernard, Ralph and Calvin (Karen) Bendfeld as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his parents Carl and Martha Zimmer; his sisters Sophie Stefanishion, twins Rita and Rosa Zimmer and Barbara Weremczuk; his brother Alfred Zimmer, sisters-in-law Mildred Zimmer and Coreen Bendfeld; and brothers-in-law Mike Stefanishion and Pete Weremczuk. Dad will be greatly missed and the comfort and support of family, friends and neighbours are greatly appreciated. A Prayer Vigil was held at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 19, 2014 from St. Martin's Roman Catholic Church, Heisler. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 20, 2014 from St. Martin's Roman Catholic Church, Heisler with Rev Leon Kler as celebrant. Interment followed in the Spring Lake Cemetery. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to S.T.A.R.S., St. Boniface Cemetery Historical Fund, or to the Canadian Cancer Society.