"I knew Fr. David in seminary at St. Meinrad Seminary in the 1990s. He was an absolutely kind, talented, and enjoyable person to be around and share time. He often made our classmates and myself laugh; lighten up; and focus on the good in place of unhealthy focus upon individual faults. Truly blessed to have had Fr. David in our lives in those years and grateful he lived such a full time in ministry. Fr. David, pray for us! Fr. Harry Dean, Diocese of Austin"
In loving memory of
Fr. David M Zimmerman
June 15, 1956 - February 24, 2022
Rev. David M. Zimmerman, of Elcho, died Thursday, February 24, 2022, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital following a very short battle with cancer. He was 65 years old. He was born on June 15, 1956, in Antigo a son of Irvin and Eleanor (Hartl) Zimmerman.
After graduating from Antigo High School in 1974, Father Zimmerman attended the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.
While discerning his call to the priesthood he worked as a Social Worker and as a factory laborer.
He attended St. Meinrad Seminary, St. Meinrad, Indiana, and was ordained Priest for the Diocese of Green Bay on June 3, 1995, by Bishop Robert J. Banks.
His first priestly appointment was as Associate Pastor of Holy Innocents Parish, Manitowoc. In 1997 he was appointed Associate Pastor of Holy Family Parish, Marinette. In 2000 he was named Temporary Administrator of St. Mary Parish, Peshtigo. In 2001 he was appointed Temporary Administrator of St. Edward Parish, Wagner while remaining Temporary Administrator of St. Mary Parish, Peshtigo. In 2004 he was named Associate Pastor of St. John-Sacred Heart Parish in Sherwood/Saint John and St. Mary Parish, Stockbridge and St. Mary Parish, Hilbert. Then in 2005 he was appointed Pastor of St. John-Sacred Heart Parish, Sherwood/Saint John and St. Mary Parish, Stockbridge and St. Mary Parish, Hilbert. In 2007 he was named Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Clarks Mills and St. Michael Parish, Whitelaw. Finally, in 2013 he was appointed Pastor of Holy Family Parish, Elcho and St. Mary Parish, Pickerel where he served for the last nine years.
While Pastor of St. John-Sacred Heart Parish, Sherwood/Saint John, St. Mary Parish, Stockbridge and St. Mary Parish, Hilbert, Father Zimmerman served the diocese through a five year term on the College of Consultors and a three year term on the Presbyteral Council.
Father's skills included being a musician playing the trumpet, french horn, piano, organ, guitar and banjo. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, and had been taking Tae Kwon Do lessons attaining the rank of Red Belt.
Survivors include three brothers, Robert (Kathy) Zimmerman of DePere, Richard (Rose) Zimmerman of Tucson, Arizona, Thomas (Janet) Zimmerman of Aniwa; nieces, nephews and many friends.
The visitation will be Thursday March 3, 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Elcho beginning with the Reception of the Body prayer service at 3p.m. and conclude with a parish wake service at 6 p.m.
The visitation will continue on Friday, March 4, 2022, from 9 to 11 a.m. at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Antigo. The rosary will be recited at 10 a.m. in church.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 4, 2022, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Antigo with Most Rev. David L. Ricken, Bishop, presiding. Burial will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery.
Bradley Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Tributes
"Rest In Peace Father Dave. Thank you for your service at St Michael?s, Whitelaw. "
"We are in complete shock, so glad he came to visit us in Nov. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Dave's family. RIP Cousin we will truly miss your quirky humor and fun filled times we had together. "
"father Dave worked with my mom in sherwood he married me and my husband and helped us bury my dad he was a great friend of our family and a great man "
"I first met Fr. Dave when I worked for St. John - Sacred Heart Parish in Sherwood. He, I, the other office employee, Betty, and housekeeper, Eileen along with a few others had a special rapport that made it one of the most pleasant work experiences I have had. When he was transferred to another parish, the "old gang" from Sherwood/Stockbridge helped him to move (an experience of untold adventure) and in later years would meet up for a little reunion at lunch. My husband would occasionally join him and "the guys" for golf and Fr. Dave and I would play tennis. Our times together from the beginning were always touched with laughter. Fr. Dave was always, always ready to talk and share faith and theology on a personal level. He willingly traveled the distance to preside at my first husband's funeral and years later to officiate for my current marriage. He was the one who, when we were burying my husband, noticed a cloud in the sky above the cemetery that was in the form of an angel. I have no doubt that there was a legion of angels to carry him home. "