Robert Allen Zimmerman, 83, of Fremont, OH passed away peacefully on February 16, 2022 at his home with his wife by his side. He was born on October 28, 1938 in Riley Township the son of George and Eileen (McCreery) Zimmerman. Bob’s early elementary education started in a one-room schoolhouse in Erlin. He graduated from Fremont Ross High School in 1957 where he was the class president.
Bob married Kay E. Fredericks on September 20, 1958 at St. Mark’s Lutheran and she survives. He worked alongside his grandfather selling suits at JC Penney while in high school. Bob started working at Concrete Products in Fremont after high school. He then went to work for Don Nickel at Nickel Paint and Supply from 1960-65 before striking out on his own as a self-employed remodeling contractor, specializing in kitchens and baths. Bob then purchased Nickel Paint from Don Nickel on January 1, 1978 which he continued to run with his wife and son. Bob also purchased the cabinet store next to Nickel’s and renamed it CR Kitchen and Bath which he operated with his brother-in-law from 1986 to 2000.
Bob had a lifetime love of the water, owning boats for most of his life. He and his wife spent most weekends and spare time on Lake Erie. They were members of the Great Lakes Cruising Club who they took many boating trips with. Bob was also a longtime member of the Nor’Easter Club on Catawba Island and docked at Fox Haven Marina for fifty years.
Bob is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Kay Zimmerman, Fremont; children, Paula (Ron) Fortney, Tiffin and Edward (Julie Hohler) Zimmerman, Sandusky; brother, James Zimmerman, sisters-in-law, Joyce Nowak and Nancy (Chet) Pullins; granddaughter, Brandy Fortney all of Fremont; special cousin, Dick (Marcia) Ninke, Sandusky and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Lester Nowak; grandson, Jason Fortney and a niece and nephew
It was Bob’s wish to have no service.
Memorials can be made to ProMedica Hospice.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family below.
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Steve Ruth
Kay and Family
Our deepest condolences to you and the family. Always appreciated the help and service Bob gave us over years.
Steve Ruth
Jerrie Girand
Kay and Family, although I did not see Bob and Kay after we graduated from high school, I did see them at numerous class reunions. There are not enough words to describe Bob as I knew him, but kind, respectful, happy, smart, caring, especially for Kay, thoughtful, polite, generous, funny, smiling, and that is just a few of the words. Kay, I cannot express how sorry I am. I have been in your place so now please take care of yourself. May God bless you and the kids and know Bob is at peace.
Bob & Pam (Rathfelder) Rahm Catawba Island
Kay, Paula and Ed, our deepest condolences to your entire families. Many heartfelt good memories of your husband and father growing up as kids with Paula and Ed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
LINDA BURNS
LeVerne and Linda Burns and the Staff at Burns would like to send our condolences to Ron and Paula Fortney and families.
Lynn (Willey) Quick
Paula, Kay and Ed, I was so sorry to hear of Bobs passing. I remember him so well. My dad thought a lot of Bob. I remember when he did all the tile in our house. I remember sitting and watching him. Many prayers.♥️