Ray Zimmerman

Ray Zimmerman was born in LaCrosse, Wis. where he lived until he was 28 years old. During high school, Ray participated and excelled in football, basketball, and track. In his junior and senior year, he was the state champion in the 100 and 200 yard dash. To this day, he still holds the record for the 100 yard dash. This is where he picked up the nickname “Zip”, which held throughout his life.

Ray began dating his high school sweetheart, Joanne, his junior year. She became his wife right after high school. He began a 10-year employment with Trane Company. After Trane Co., Ray began a career with Satellite Industries. He was a regional VP, settling in Chicago where his kids wanted to stay through high school.

At 52 years old, Ray semi-retired and purchased a condo in Venice, Fla., where he managed hotels. A few years later, the owner of Satellite brought him back with an offer he couldn’t resist. The couple moved back to Chicago, on to Cincinnati, then Milwaukee, and he ended his career with Satellite in Dallas.

At 65 years old, Ray retired for good back to Florida. He and his wife enjoyed playing cards and golf. In May 2016, Ray encountered the toughest part of his life with his wife’s declining health. Joanne passed away in June 2016 after 65 years of marriage. To be closer to family, he moved to Fountain Hills.

He helped bring Euchre to Fountain View Village, participated in gin rummy with his very dear friend Joan, and enjoyed walking around the Fountain. Ray was an avid Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger fan, and enjoyed traveling to see his family across the US.

Ray is survived by a brother in LaCrosse, Wis., Gary (Barb); a son in Barrington, Ill, Randy (Lori); a daughter in Fountain Hills, Julie (Roxie); a daughter in Carol Stream, Ill., Jayne (Steve), and a daughter in Waynesville, N.C., Jolene (Terry). His family would grow to include seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The family will not have a public service and for those who may want to donate in his honor, you can do so at Hospice of the Valley, https://www.hov.org.